#Lightson

[cosmerelists]

Cosmere Characters as the Twelve Olympians

[Spoilers throughout! Please assume that each entry will contain spoilers for the character mentioned through the most recent book for that character--aka, spoilers for Rhythm of War in the Navani entry, spoilers for Warbreaker in the Blushweaver entry, etc.]

Hey look, I’m using my Classical Studies PhD for something! :D Anyway, here’s my take on which Cosmere characters would be best suited to take on the roles of various gods from the Greek Pantheon. And yes, there are 13 here since like everything in Greek mythology, the canon members of the Olympic Pantheon are disputed. 

1. Zeus: Gavilar (Stormlight Archives)

Zeus is the head of Olympian gods, the king of kings, and a Grade A jerk-ass who is often cruel to his wife, lovers, kids, etc. Gavilar has a lot in common! In the Theogony, Zeus ends a generations-long war among the gods through force and cleverness, much as Gavilar “unites” Alethkar. Zeus is held up as the emblematic king, and Gavilar is now a kingly symbol as well. Yet in his private life, Zeus is a total asshole to his wife Hera and is cruel to any of his kids that he sees as “flawed” (like tossing Hephaestus right over the side of Olympus). Gavilar is abusive towards Navani and not a great father either. So in terms of both accomplishments & flaws, Gavilar would make a great Zeus. That’s not a compliment.

2. Hera: Jasnah (Stormlight Archives)

[Note: the relationships among the gods are disregarded for this list! I’m not saying Jasnah is married to her father!]

Hera is the queen of the gods, and she does tend to get a bad rap in mythology; most of her stories are about her jealously tormenting various women whose only crime is being assaulted by Zeus. But in general, Hera is a protector of women and a standard of femininity: in her cult and in her statuary, she is regality and femininity personified. Jasnah is always meticulous in her presentation and looks like the ideal Alethi woman. In her scholarship she promotes and protects women, but she is also no stranger to resorting to violence when she deems it necessary--sometimes violence that others may feel is too far. Like when she kills a bunch of criminals to teach Shallan Philosophy or when she literally has an assassin on retainer, planning to kill Aesudan. Jasnah may not act out of jealousy as Hera usually does, but both of them are perfectly willing to kill in service of larger aims. Also, much as Hera has a bad reputation, so too is Jasnah denigrated as a heretic. And finally, Jasnah is now literally the queen.

3. Poseidon: Queen Fen or Kaladin (Stormlight Archives)

Man, I really had a hard time with Poseidon, god of the sea and patron of sailors. In terms of the sea-faring aspect, Queen Fen felt the closest: she rules a coastal city and is literally a patron of sailors. So she works in a literal sense.

If we’re thinking of Poseidon more as “the other powerful one” (since Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are the three brothers who divide control of the world) and as the “earth-shaker,” then I could see an argument for Kaladin. Kaladin is closely associated with the Stormfather, who does all of the earth-shaking and storm-brewing on Roshar, and Kaladin rides his storm. But mostly, I’m not gonna lie, I just think it would be funny for Kaladin to be the god of horses. 

4. Demeter: Raboniel or Rlain (Stormlight Archives)

Demeter is the goddess of agriculture, so Raboniel was probably not your first thought. But listen, the Hymn to Demeter concentrates on how Demeter reacts to her daughter Persephone being taken by Hades. Demeter first searches frantically, then simply halts all agriculture until Zeus is ready to negotiate. And when I think of someone who will do literally anything to help her daughter, no matter who might be harmed in the process...I honestly think Raboniel, who created a god-killing weapon that could be used against her own people in order to end the suffering of her daughter. Plus, Demeter is both someone who halts all agriculture, dooming humanity, but also tries to turn a baby into a god in thanks for a human family’s hospitality. And Raboniel too is both ruthless and oddly generous to those she respects, as her relationship with Navani demonstrates.

Or there is Rlain, who is currently helping the people of Urithiru figure out how to farm through singing, much as Demeter taught agriculture to Triptolemus. Plus, Rlain lived among the humans as a spy, which reminds me somewhat of Demeter living among the humans while pretending to be one. And Demeter does try to bridge the human-divine gap by turning baby Demophon into a god, and Rlain is trying to bring humans & singers together. 

5. Aphrodite: Blushweaver (Warbreaker)

Aphrodite is the goddess of love and sex, and Blushweaver really is the obvious counterpart here. Like Aphrodite, Blushweaver is a gorgeous, well, goddess who is open about her sexuality and who embraces pleasure. Especially in her Roman incarnation, Aphrodite is also a guide and supporter for her heroic son Aeneas, which is somewhat similar to Blushweaver’s role in getting Lightsong to, well, get off his ass and do something. Finally--and forgive me in advance--in the Iliad Aphrodite tries to get involved in the Trojan War and it goes badly for her, and Blushweaver also meets a bad end after trying to be involved in martial politics. Although, like, Aphrodite just gets stabbed in the hand and Blushweaver dies so the two aren’t that similar. 

6. Athena: Azure or Jasnah (Stormlight Archives)

Athena is the goddess of war and wisdom--so more like strategy and cunning in war, rather than sheer violence (for that, please see Ares below). Athena leaps fully formed from Zeus’ head, already fully armed, and is the patron of heroes like Odysseus. From the perspective of her men, Captain Azure just sort of appears and seizes charge of the city guard, and she uses both good strategic sense and fighting prowess to protect the city. She also dominates in the traditionally male field of warfare and helps out a bunch of men, which are things Athena also does.

But I also want to recognize that Jasnah would make a good Athena if I hadn’t already used Jasnah for Hera, which is my personal preference. Jasnah has the intelligence, the wisdom, and the sheer fighting prowess (she fights on the front lines in one book). Jasnah also nourishes a hero (Shallan) which again suits Athena.

7. Artemis: Shallan (Stormlight Archives)

Artemis is the goddess of the hunt and of wild nature. The “hunting” aspect first drew me to Shallan, considering that as a member of the Ghostbloods, Shallan is always hunting something or someone. Shallan also has a keen interest in nature, studying cremlings for fun, going on archaeological missions to the Shattered Plains, and being sad when that chasmfiend that was trying to eat them died. Artemis is also no stranger to bloody violence, like when she turned Acteon into a deer to be torn apart by his own dogs (ouch) because he spied on her bathing. And Shallan is no stranger to poetic justice, as when she strangles her own father with the necklace he gifted her. 

8. Apollo: Lightsong or Renarin (Warbreaker, Stormlight Archives)

Apollo is the god of light, music, prophecy, and healing. I have to use Lightsong here given that his name SCREAMS Apollo--light and song! Plus, Lightsong has the powers of prophecy and of healing, and he is a fan of beauty and luxury. Lightsong is also super hot, as Apollo (knows that he) is. 

Renarin is another character who possesses both future sight and healing powers, which is an Apollo-esque combo. I will say that I don’t see as much of a match personality-wise between Apollo and Renarin, since I like Renarin whereas Apollo does things like curse Cassandra for not having sex with him and hunts Daphne until she has to turn into a tree to escape. Like, Renarin literally would never. 

9. Ares: Dalinar or Vin (Stormlight Archives, Mistborn)

Athena is the god of strategy in war, whereas Ares is the god of combat itself, in the sense of sheer, unrelenting, somewhat mindless violence. Honestly, the Thrill in the Stormlight books would be a good approximation of Ares’ power: it gives a person incredible fighting prowess, but with no real sense of any larger concerns of strategy or logic. So Dalinar as a fighter who understands and has embraced the Thrill would make a good Ares--a more tempered one than the Ares of mythology, if we’re being honest. And in a similar vein, Vin is also very, very good at wreaking incredible havoc. She slices through entire armies, cuts people in half with swords, kills a god...she would also make an excellent Ares. And since Vin basically has godlike status as of Mistborn Era 2, she’s nearly in this role already!

10. Hephaestus: Navani (Stormlight Archives)

Hephaestus is a craftsman god, especially blacksmithing and metalworking. He also has an unhappy marriage, as he is married to Aphrodite who barely gives him the time of day in most stories (she’s busy getting it on with Ares). Navani is an inventor of fabrials and a patron of others. She’s the one who manages to invent god-killing weapons in Rhythm of War, which is very Hephaestus-coded. She’s also no stranger to an unhappy marriage with a spouse who mistreats her. Finally, one little story about Hephaestus in the Iliad is how he keeps the peace among the bickering Olympians, which is reminiscent of how Navani has to keep the peace among the Alethi nobility back when Gavilar used to leave all of that to her.

11. Hermes: Hoid (all books)

In the Hymn to Hermes, Hermes is a trickster figure with one goal in mind: getting admitted to Olympus by any means necessary. And he does this by tormenting Apollo with various tricks, all the while taking advantage of the fact that he just born yesterday--how could Hermes the innocent little baby do anything bad?? Anyway. Hoid is also a trickster figure who loves disguises and false names and doing whatever is necessary to get what he wants. Hermes is also an inventor and storyteller, and Hoid has those qualities as well. Finally, Hermes in other iterations is a guide, someone who can lead a hero through dark places. And Hoid takes on that role too, guiding people like Shallan or Kaladin through some of the darkest periods of their lives. 

12. Hestia: Rock (Stormlight Archives)

Hestia is the goddess of hearth and home, and she’s associated with the fire in the hearth. To me, this is reminiscent of Rock whose stew is the central place of belonging for Bridge 4. Rock also does not fight--and neither does Hestia, who is one of the few gods who lacks any mythology about vengeance or violence. Instead, Hestia is the deity who makes sure you have a home.

13. Dionysus: Adolin (Stormlight Archives)

Dionysus is the god of wine, indulgence, and gender fuckery. And I know the obvious candidates for a Dionysus are the Returned from Warbreaker, but I’ve already used them. And I think I can make a case for Adolin! Adolin likes his wine and his women, and thanks to his relationship with his mom, he acts in ways that seem unmasculine to the Alethi--like being more physically affectionate and emotive. And Dionysus too had an un-Greek heritage that made the Greeks read him as foreign in the Bacchae. Plus, Dionysus does ultimately end up in a stable relationship with Ariadne, much like Adolin with Shallan. Finally, Dionysus is something of a shit-stirrer; when he shows up in Bacchae he turns that town upside down. And let’s not forget how Adolin murdered a high prince and is one of the few main characters to have not bonded a spren. He goes his own way. Sometimes violently. But mostly he knows what he likes and he’s not afraid to show it.

[juniperwest]

lights on pt 2

winter - juniper & sullivan attend the ama's

Sullivan moves his hand to her lower back and open the door to the venue for her.

Juniper nods and walks into the venue before she lets out a soft sigh of relief.

He takes her hand again and squeezes it gently.

She smiles up at him, “Want a drink?”

Sullivan smiles, “sure, I’ll done one.”

Juniper pulls him closer and leads him towards the bar.

He stays close to her and kisses the top of her head.

She smiles and gets to the front of the bar, “What do you want?”

Sullivan smiles, “Probably just a modelo.”

Juniper nods and orders his beer with a tequila soda for herself.

He smiles and rubs her back.

She smiles and leans back against him, “See anyone you wanna say hi to yet?”

Sullivan hums, “I haven’t really looked.”

Juniper moves his hand to her waist and smiles, “Well I can’t seeee anything.”

He gently squeezes her waist and grins, “my shorty.” He kisses her head.

She laughs and leans back against him, “That’s me.”

Sullivan smiles and pulls her closer.

Juniper smiles back at him as their drinks come, “Ooh need this.”

He takes out his wallet and tips the bartender, “more than the milkshake?”

She laughs and shakes her head, “In a different way.”

Sullivan laughs, “Okay, do we have to mingle now?”

Juniper nods with a laugh, “Yeah, we shoulder. Or let them come to us, we’re the hot couple:”

He grins widely, “I like that idea much better. Cheers.” He holds his bottle up.

She grins and clinks her glass against his, “Cheers! Thanks for coming with me.”

Sullivan smiles, “No where else I’d rather be, baby.” He squeezes her gently and leans down to whisper to her, “Let me know if anything makes you uncomfortable? I don’t wanna cross boundaries.”

Juniper tilts her head to the side and shakes her head, “You’re good but I will.”

He smiles and kisses her cheek, “thank you.”

She smiles and sips her drink before leading him over towards some booths, “Maybe we find somewhere in the middle of the action to plant ourselves.”

Sullivan keeps close to her, “Sounds good to me.”

She nods as she puts her hand on his wrist not to lose him until she sees an empty booth, “Perfect.”

He moves to let her in first.

Juniper smiles and slides into the booth, patting the seat next to her.

Sullivan sits beside her and puts his arm around her.

She grins and shifts towards him, “Perfect. I can see your face now.”

He grins shyly, “you miss it from down there?”

Juniper gently squeezes his jaw and nods her head, “I did.”

Sully leans his chin in her hand and grins widely at her.

She laughs and nudges her nose against his, “You’ve got really pretty eyes, you know?”

He grins at her and his cheeks heat up, “you’ve mentioned it before. You do too.”

Juniper grins and drops her hand as she sips her drink, “Well thank you.”

Sullivan smiles, “You’re beautiful.”

She raises her brows and squeezes his arm, “Thank you. It’s fun getting all done up.”

He tilts his head to the side and smiles, shaking his head, “I’ve seen you fresh out of the ocean, mascara coming off your lashes, and still thought you looked so beautiful.”

Juniper grins and leans into his side, “Sulllyyy…”

Sullivan smiles and brings his arm around her more, “And you know I don’t say things just to say them.”

She brings her free hand up to take his hand on her shoulder, “I know you don’t.”

He smiles and touches his nose to her temple.

Juniper grins and moves her hand to touch his wrist, “You have your watch on?”

Sullivan shifts his sleeve and grins, “of course.”

She grins and touches the watch, “Good. And I have my necklace on.”

He smiles and lightly touches the necklace with his fingertips, “Good. Now everyone will know you’re mine.”

Juniper hums as she sips her drink, “That’s hot.”

Sullivan laughs and trails his fingertips along her collarbone before dropping his hand.

She watches his finger before she grins and sips her drink as she looks out at the party.

He smiles and follows her gaze before grinning as he spots Fayeli and Carsylvia, “You okay to meet my friends? Sylvia may fangirl.”

Juniper glances at him then back to the others, “Of course.”

Sullivan stands up and waves to the group. Eli spots Sullivan and waves then nods for them to follow him. He smiles as he comes over, “wow you guys managed to find seats.”

Juniper smiles at them and nods as she scoots in more, “Join us!”

Eli grins and sits down, holding his hand out for Faye. Carson and Sullivan hug hello and Sully grins at Sylvia, “Hi Syl.”

Faye grins and sits on his lap. Sylvia hugs Sully and shakes her head as she pulls back before sitting with them, “Oh my god, I can’t believe how cool our friends are.”

Carson puts his arm around Sylvia laughs, “I’m shocked they let us in.” Eli laughs, “people recognize you by now.” Sullivan nods, “Sylvia passes as a celebrity.”

Faye laughs and nods, “I mean look how hot you look tonight.” Sylvia laughs and leans into Carson, “Stop it.” Juniper squeezes Sully’s thigh and smiles, “Well, I’ve heard a lot about you, I’m so excited to meet you.”

Sullivan smiles, “Right, Jesus. Sylvia, this is Juniper West. Juniper, these are my friends Carson Nichols and Sylvia Montez.” Carson smiles at her, “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Juniper holds her hand out for Sylvia, “The way he talks about you guys, I feel like I should give you a hug!” Sylvia laughs nervously and shakes her hand, “I’m a huge fan, your music is amazing.”

Sully grins at Juniper. Carson laughs, “I think if this were ten years ago there would be posters of you on her walls.”

Sylvia lightly hits his chest and laughs, “Carse!” Juniper grins and shakes her head, “No, I’m flattered! I love it because I’m also a total fan girl. The tour bus walls were a little too small for my Zac Efron posters.” Faye raises her brows and hums, “Didn’t I read that you hooked up with him last year in Ibiza?” She leans her head back and laughs, “God, I wish.”

Sullivan makes a face, “Faye!”

Faye laughs with a small shrug as she sips her drink.

Eli gives Faye a look. Carson laughs, “that’s his giiiirlfriend.”

Juniper laughs and leans into Sullivan, “It’s okay, I’d say most things you’ve read about me aren’t true. Except, I really am that short.” Faye laughs and shakes her head, “She makes me feel tall.”

Sullivan laughs, “you’re taller than Sylvia and you only feel that short cause Eli is a giant.”

Faye grins and squeezes Eli’s arm, “He is. I love it.”

Carson laughs, “Sully and Juniper’s height difference beats yours though.”

Faye rolls her eyes and shrugs, “It’s not a competition, shorty.” Sylvia sighs and shakes her head at them. Juniper sips her drink and shakes her head with a laugh.

Carson laughs, “I’m over six feet tall!” Sullivan shakes his head and rubs Juniper’s side. Eli playfully groans, “cut it out.”

Sylvia smiles and shakes her head as she looks at Juniper, “I apologize for them.” Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “Don’t apologize.”

Eli laughs, “they love to bicker.”

Juniper laughs with a nod, “I can tell. It’s funny, you guys must’ve all been friends for a long time.”

Eli smiles, “For too long.” Sully smiles, “I’m the newest of the group.”

She smiles and squeezes his leg gently, “Well now I’m the newest.”

He grins brightly at her, “that’s true.”

Juniper scrunches up her nose at him and smiles. Sylvia nudges Carson and whispers to him, “They are so cute.”

Carson chuckles and squeezes Syl’s leg. Sully grins and kisses her nose.

Juniper grins and squeezes his leg again, “I’m gonna run to the ladies room real quick and get a refill, anyone want anything?”

Sullivan smiles, “no thanks. Want me to walk with you?”

She shakes her head and smiles, “No, no. Stay with your friends, I’ll be right back.”

He raises his brows, “are you sure? I thought we were gonna keep close..”

Juniper nods with a hum, “Yeah, I’m sure. As long as you’re okay with your friends for a minute?”

Sullivan nods a little, “I will, I just don’t want another Max to come up to you.” He gets out of the booth so she can get out.

She gets out of the booth and laughs softly as she pulls him close to whisper to him, “I appreciate it, but I can handle it plus I’m sure your friends wannna grill you about me.”

He chuckles and kisses her cheek, “Just text me if you need me.”

Juniper nods and squeezes his arm, “I will.” She waves before finding her way to the restroom.

Sullivan sits back down and smiles, “So, everyone having fun?”

Sylvia widens her eyes at him and shakes her head, “You guys are beautiful together, oh my god.”

He chuckles, “Well thank you.” Eli smiles, “you two seem really comfortable together too.”

Faye nods in agreement and smiles, “She’s funny, I like her.” Sylvia nods and leans across the table, “Wait but I have a question, wasn’t she involved with Jonah Marshall and like all that drama with his girlfriend what’s her name?” Faye laughs softly, “Lola Sinclair.”

Sullivan furrows his brows as he listens, “Huh? Can we not talk about my girlfriend like she’s not an actual human.”

She raises her hands innocently and nods her head, “Sorry, sorry. I just don’t want you to get all caught up in the drama.”

He shakes his head, “I don’t care about drama, I care about her.”

Sylvia puts her hand on her chest and grins, “Awww..stop it that’s so cute.”

Eli nods his head, “and a good way to think about things this early on.”

Faye nods in agreement and smiles, “Besides as she said herself, most of the headlines aren’t true.”

Sullivan shrugs, “I don’t pay attention anyways.”

Juniper leaves the restroom and as she makes her way to the bar she notices Jonah and Lola near the makeshift dance floor surrounded by some of her former friends. She narrows her eyes before going to the bar and ordering shots for her table. A moment later, she returns to the table with a tray for a shot for all of them, “Surprise!”

Eli raises his brows and laughs, “Whoa!”

Faye laughs and leans forward to grab one for herself and Eli, “Thanks, girl!” Juniper shrugs with a smile as she slips in next to Sully again.

Sullivan puts his arm around her and smiles, “all good?”

Juniper smiles a little too hard and nods her head, “Yep. Wanted to celebrate Eli and his win tonight.” She nods to the shots as she holds one up, “Cheers?”

Eli grins, “thank you!” Sullivan smiles, “cheers.” Carson cheers as well.

Faye grins and kisses Eli’s cheek. Sylvia cheers and clinks her shot against the others. Juniper takes her shot and hums happily.

Sullivan takes his shot and then whispers in her ear, “we’ll talk about it later.”

Juniper furrows her brows at him and shakes her head, “Let’s have fun..we should dance!”

He fights a frown and nods, “okay.”

She scoots out of the booth and holds her hand out to him, “Do you guys wanna join us?” Sylvia raises her brows at Carson, “I’m in, you?”

Carson grins, “of course.” Eli gets up and holds his hand out to Faye. Sullivan takes Juniper’s hand and gets up.

Juniper leads them over to the makeshift dance floor and pulls Sullivan close with a grin.

Sullivan twirls her under his arm and then pulls her in closer, “you ever watch Fairly Odd Parents?”

She squeals with the twirl and moves her hands to his shoulders with a laugh, “Sometimes why?”

He holds her hips as they dance, “you know when Trixie Tang says tell me I’m pretty and smiles so hard her eye starts twitching?”

Juniper laughs and leans her head back as she sways against him, “Yeah, where’s this going?”

Sully chuckles, “you smiled so hard when you brought the shots, I think you were a second away from turning into Trixie Tang.”

She rolls her eyes and laughs, “I wasn’t doing that! I was just worried I was gonna drop the tray.”

He pulls her closer and skims his lips over her ear, “Promise?”

Juniper closes her eyes and nods her head, “Yes.”

Sullivan smiles and nips at her earlobe.

She slides her hands over his biceps and grins to herself before she glances to the side and spots Jonah watching her.

He kisses her ear as he sways with her.

Juniper narrows her eyes at him and spots his girlfriend staring at her as well before pulling back slightly to look at Sully, “Can you do me a favor?”

Sullivan raises his brows, “Sure.”

She pulls him a little closer and hums, “Kiss me? Unless you don’t feel comfortable, that’s fine, but if you don’t mind..I think we need to sell it right now, don’t ask why but we do.”

His brows and he gently cups her jaw, brushing his thumb over her chin, “are you sure you want me to?”

Juniper nods and smiles up at him, “Just like it’s an acting job, right?”

Sullivan hums and looks into her eyes, “Sure.” He leans down and kisses her slowly but passionately, holding her jaw.

She makes a soft sound as she moves her hand onto the back of his head and returns the kiss.

He kisses her harder, parting her lips to slide his tongue into her mouth as his hand moves to her neck.

Juniper slides her free hand down his chest and opens her mouth to him.

Sully tilts his head into the kiss and massages her tongue slowly with his own, his thumb gliding over her pulse point as they kiss.

She moves her tongue against his and presses herself closer to him.

He hums and sucks on her tongue.

Juniper runs her thumb over his jaw and makes a soft sound into the kiss.

Sully smirks as he hears her and he slowly pulls back with a grin.

She keeps her eyes closed and grins, “Sully..”

He grins and places a few more slow, closed mouth kisses on her lips before pulling back again.

Juniper slides her hands onto his neck as she looks up at him with a smile, “Is that how you kiss your costars?”

Sullivan chuckles, “That’s how I kiss my girlfriends.”

She strokes his jaw and smiles, “You’re good at it.”

He grins at her, “Thank you.”

Juniper nudges her nose against his jaw as she glances back subtly to see if they are watching, “I think we sold it.”

Sullivan shrugs, “I know we did.”

She sways and hums as she looks up at him, “Because you’re a great actor?”

He chuckles and sways with her, “Cause I’m a great kisser.”

Juniper laughs and slides her hands over his chest, “Well, that’s true.”

Sullivan laughs and leans his forehead against hers.

She grins and moves her hands to his cheeks.

He chuckles, “Sorry about your lipstick.”

Juniper laughs and wipes at his lip, “No, I’m sorry.”

Sullivan laughs, “don’t be.” He takes his phone out and opens the camera to take a selfie of them and he grins.

She laughs and leans her head against his as she smiles.

He takes a photo and then gives a bigger cheesy smile, her lipstick all over his mouth.

Juniper grins and looks at him for one of the photos.

Sully keeps snapping photos before turning his head and kissing her with a smile.

She hums as she returns the kiss and cups the back of his head.

He grins into the kiss and takes a few more pictures.

Juniper smiles and gently nips at his lower lip before she pulls back.

Sullivan puts his phone away and grins at her.

She grins and sways with him a little, “This is fun.”

He grins, “Being my girlfriend?”

Juniper laughs with a shrug, “I guess, yeah. I also like your friends, they are cute.”

Sullivan smiles, “they’re pretty great. And they’re obsessed with you.”

She brushes her thumb against jaw and hums, “I know I can be charming.”

He chuckles, “I’m proud of how Sylvia handled herself.”

Juniper laughs and glances at his friends dancing, “I mean I’m used to it. It makes it kind of hard to have friends sometimes. Power imbalance kind of feeling.”

Sullivan raises his brows and he smiles, “She’s been a very good friend to me and Eli.”

She smiles with a nod, “I believe it. But she knew you before, didn’t she?”

He nods, “Yeah, but that wouldn’t affect how she treats you.”

Juniper hums with a small nod, “I know but you also know I don’t trust very easily. Except you, I trust you for some reason.”

Sullivan smiles and rubs her waist, “then trust me when I say you can trust her. Faye I’m a little more wary of.”

She nods and slides her hands over his biceps, “Why’s that?”

He shrugs, “she’s a writer. Obviously Eli trusts her but they’re also together. She doesn’t owe loyalty to me.”

Juniper hums and glances at them then back to him, “Yeah, that makes sense.”

Sullivan shrugs, “Plus, she obviously likes celeb gossip, but she’s nice.

She smiles and tilts her head to the side, “Hopefully they just don’t believe everything about me.”

He shrugs again, “Well I kinda shut everything down earlier.”

Juniper raises her brows and rubs the back of his neck, “Oh?”

Sullivan hums, “you’re a person, and as far as they know, you’re my person. I don’t wanna hear any gossip and I don’t want them to even be thinking it.”

She smiles and nods her head, “Thank you.”

He smiles and strokes his thumb over her cheek.

Juniper leans into his touch and smiles, “You’re so nice to me.”

Sully grins at her, “you’re my girl.”

She grins and shrugs one shoulder, “Still.”

He smiles and shakes his head, “I’m gonna be nice to you.”

Juniper nudges her nose against his jaw and smiles, “I need another drink.”

Sullivan hums and nods, “Lead the way.”

She grins and takes his hand, walking him over to the bar, the smile falling when she notices Jonah also at the bar.

He lifts their hands and kisses the back of hers when he sees her smile fall, “what’s wrong?”

Juniper locks eyes with Jonah for a moment before she steers Sullivan to the other side of the bar, “Sunday is here.”

Sullivan grimaces, “Oh.”

She leans against the bar and lets out a sigh, “With his girlfriend.”

He moves his hand to cup the side of her neck, “What do you want me to do?”

Juniper leans into his touch and shakes her head with a soft laugh, “I don’t know, make me forget they are here.”

Sullivan shifts to sit on a stool and he pulls her between his legs, “Look into my pretty eyes.”

She moves her hands onto the back of his head as she smiles and looks at him, “Done. What’s next?”

He grins and taps his lips, “Lay it on me.”

Juniper raises her brows and grins as she leans closer to him, “You don’t mind being used like that?”

Sullivan slides his hands to her lower back, “We gotta sell it anyways, you may as well kill two birds with one stone.”

She grins and shakes her head before she presses her lips to his gently at first.

He returns the gentle kiss and rubs her lower back.

Juniper hums and tilts her head as she kisses him slowly and deeply.

Sullivan follows her lead in the kiss and pulls her closer.

She runs her nails over his head as she kisses him harder with a soft sound.

He moves his tongue to swipe over her bottom lip.

Juniper opens her mouth to him and lets her body sink into his.

Sullivan hums and moves his tongue slowly against hers, his one hand sliding lower on her back.

She moans softly as she moves her tongue with his and slides her hand onto his cheek.

He massages her tongue with his a moment longer before sucking on hers and he holds her against him.

Juniper presses herself against him hard as she makes a soft sound into the kiss.

Sullivan growls as he hears her make another sound and he pulls back to place open mouth kisses along her jaw.

She gasps softly and tilts her head to the side as she closes her eyes.

He kisses to her ear and whispers huskily to her, “Can I move my hand lower?”

Juniper nods quickly as she slides her hand over his chest, “Yes..”

Sullivan moves his hand to grab her ass and he pulls back to kiss her again heatedly.

She grips his shirt as she returns the kiss with a moan.

He palms her ass and keeps kissing her.

Juniper tilts her head as she kisses him harder and runs her nails over his shirt.

Sully hums and squeezes her bottom as he kisses her just as hard.

She whimpers softly as she tugs on his lower lip and pulls back slightly to catch her breath.

He grins and slides his hand up her back as he holds her close.

Juniper laughs breathlessly as she slides her hands over his shoulders.

Sully chuckles and kisses her head.

She smiles shyly and shakes her head, “That worked.”

He grins and squeezes her, “I figured it would.”

Juniper smiles and nips at his lower lip, “He never kissed me like that in public.”

Sully smirks, “Baby, he never kissed you like that period.”

She laughs and runs her nails against the back of his head, “Maybe.”

He chuckles and squeezes her.

Juniper grins and nudges her nose against his, “You’ll tell me if it’s too far right?”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “of course. That’s why I also asked permission.”

She brushes her thumb over his lower lip and nods her head, “It’s kinda fun, putting on a show.”

He grins, “everyone’s gonna be talking about how we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.”

Juniper grins and brushes her lips against his, “Why not give them a little more to talk about?”

He laughs and tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear, “like what?”

She grins and nods to the side, “Disappear into one of the rooms over there and come back a little disheveled?”

Sullivan laughs, “You don’t think that’s too much?”

Juniper shrugs and smiles softly, “You’re probably right.”

He grins and nudges his nose against hers, “Maybe in a few months when there a rumors we are fizzling out or something.”

She laughs and shakes her head, “We probably shouldn’t anyways, I’ll just seem like a bad influence on you.”

Sullivan shakes his head and smiles, “you know I don’t care about that stuff.”

Juniper smiles softly and shakes her head, “But I do. I’ll care about your reputation for you if you don’t.”

He moves his palm to cup her cheek, “My fans will care more that I respect you and care for you exactly as I see you in my own eyes and not the media’s.”

She leans into his touch and hums softly, “Your fans will love you no matter what but I’m talking about your rep with the money makers. The producers, the directors, people who will want to work with you. So let me protect you from that.”

Sullivan sighs softly and nods slightly, “Okay..”

Juniper gently cups his chin and smiles, “We’re a team. You look out for me and I look out for you.”

He leans into her touch and smiles, “Deal.”

She smiles with a nod as she brushes her thumb over his chin before she drops her hand, “Now I really need a drink after that kiss.”

Sullivan laughs, “that good, huh?”

Juniper grins and shrugs her shoulders.

He chuckles and moves her to stand at between him and the bar with him sitting behind her and he wraps his arms around her middle.

Juniper laughs and moves her hand over his, “Want anything?”

He shakes his head and leans his chin on her shoulder.

She smiles and rubs his hand as she orders herself another drink before leaning back into him, “Do you want a hit from my pen instead?”

Sullivan hums, “No thank you.”

Juniper nods and squeezes his hand, “You don’t mind that I keep drinking right?”

He shakes his head, “of course not.”

She nods and turns her head to kiss his cheek.

Sully smiles and kisses her quickly.

Juniper returns the kiss and smiles before thanking the bartender and taking her drink.

He smiles and holds her hips to turn her to face him again.

She giggles as she turns back to face him before she sips from the straw of her drink as she stares at him.

Sullivan grins widely at her.

Juniper pulls her drink back and grins, “Hi.”

He chuckles, “Hi.” He pecks her lips.

She laughs and returns the peck, “Tell me who taught you to kiss like that.”

Sullivan chuckles, “No one taaaught me.”

Juniper laughs and raises her brows, “Oh so it’s just a natural gift hm?”

He laughs, “Maybe?”

She smiles and brushes her thumb over his lower lip.

Sullivan grins at her and rubs her waist.

Juniper smiles and shakes her head, “You are a man of mystery, Sullivan Shaw.”

He groans and laughs, “I’m just a guy.”

She shakes her head and sips her drink, “No, you’re not just anything.”

He smiles and rubs her waist.

Juniper moves her hand onto the back of his neck and smiles, “Come on, tell me something.”

Sullivan laughs, “like what?”

She shrugs as she sips her drink, “Anything.”

He hums as he thinks, “I don’t know.”

Juniper shakes her head and nods to him, “See mystery. Can’t even tell me your favorite color.”

Sullivan chuckles, “It’s blue, but I also really like green.”

She smiles and runs her nails over his neck, “I love blue too.”

He smiles and rubs her waist, “Like your eyes.”

Juniper bumps her nose against his and smiles, “Like yours.”

Sullivan grins and kisses her softly.

She hums and presses herself against him as she returns the kiss.

He smiles widely against her lips.

Juniper strokes the back of his neck as she flicks her tongue against his lower lip.

Sully smiles and opens his mouth to her.

She hums and moves her tongue against his.

He hums and moves his tongue slowly against hers.

Juniper gently sucks on his tongue as she pulls him closer.

Sullivan makes a small noise and glides his hand down her back slowly.

She smirks into the kiss and runs her hand down his front.

He hums and kisses her harder.

Juniper plays with a button on his shirt as she returns the kiss just as hard.

Sullivan hums and slides his hand down to grip her bottom again.

She whimpers and tilts her head into the kiss.

He grins and kisses her deeply.

Juniper laughs as she feels his grin and moves her hand to his cheek.

Sully leans into her touch as they kiss.

She hums against his lips as she slows the kiss and strokes his cheekbone.

He slowly pulls back and grins at her.

Juniper grins and brushes her thumb over his jaw as she sips her drink.

Sullivan laughs and shakes his head.

She leans back against the bar and slides her hand down, “Yes?”

He smiles and takes her drink then sips from it.

Juniper raises her brows and laughs, “Oh joining in on the fun?”

Sullivan smiles, “Just wanted to see what you were having, it was a lot more sweet on your tongue.”

She laughs and plays with the button on his shirt, “It’s fun having someone to make out with.”

He chuckles, “you don’t think it’s too much?”

Juniper raises her brows at him and laughs, “Do you?”

Sullivan shrugs and laughs, “I don’t know. This is how I would act with a girlfriend at a college party, but this isn’t exactly USC.”

She laughs and shrugs one shoulder, “I promise there’s much worse happening in this room especially with substances.”

He nods his head, “I guess that’s true.”

Juniper nudges her nose against his and smiles, “And if anyone in this room thought we were faking it, they don’t now.”

Sullivan laughs and pulls her onto his lap, “fair enough.”

She makes a soft sound and grins, “But it’s fun to kiss someone without the pressure of what comes next, does that make sense?”

He nods a little, “Yeah, it does.”

Juniper finishes her drink and leans to place it on the bar, “Plus I feel comfortable with you.”

Sullivan smiles and leans his chin on her shoulder, “Good. Do we have to stay much longer?”

She shakes her head and laughs, “I think we’ve met our quota with the making out.”

He laughs and presses his forehead to hers.

Juniper brushes her thumb over his jaw and smiles, “I’m ready to take off these shoes anyways.”

Sully smiles, “If this were real, I’d rub your feet for you on the way home.”

She pouts and shakes her head, “Damn it.”

He laughs and kisses her cheek.

Juniper smiles and turns to peck his lips, “One more for the road.”

Sully smiles, “should we say bye to the gang?”

She nods and smiles as she slips off his lap.

He takes her hand and stands, bringing her through the crowd to find his friends.

Juniper squeezes his hand and follows him.

Sullivan puts his hand in Carson’s shoulder and smiles, “We’re heading out.” Carson grins and then holds his hand out to Juniper, “It was so nice to meet you, Juniper. Take care of our guy.”

Juniper smiles with a nod before moving to hug him then Sylvia, “It was amazing to meet you both! I hope we can hang out together again soon?” Sylvia hugs her back and nods, “I’d love that!”

Carson laughs in surprise as he hugs her instead and then grins at Sylvia. Sully smiles as he watches. Eli smiles at Juniper and hugs her goodbye, “it was good to see you.”

She moves to hug Eli then Faye with a nod, “Yes, I’ll see you soon, I’m sure.”

Eli grins and nods, “I’m sure. Maybe we can triple date or something.” Sullivan laughs, “Big ideas.”

Juniper laughs with a nod, “Maybe.”

Sullivan laughs, “Okay, we’re leaving now. Bye!”

Juniper takes his hand and grins, “Lead the way.”

He squeezes her hand and leads her through everyone.

She follows him and keeps close to him.

Sully smiles and turns back to check on her.

Juniper winks at him and smiles at him.

He chuckles and leads her out to wait for their car.

She stands next to him and grins up at him, “I’m cold.”

Sullivan laughs and wraps his arms around her, “c’mere.”

Juniper grins and moves into his arms, resting her head against his chest.

He chuckles, “I’m surprised you get cold so easily.”

She raises her brows and laughs, “Why?”

Sullivan smiles, “aren’t you from the mountains?”

Juniper laughs with a shrug, “I thought you were gonna pull a line out there.”

His brows raise and he laughs loudly, “No.“

She smiles and shrugs, “Guess I’ve been in California for too long.”

He grins and shakes his head, “I don’t need to use a line on you.”

Juniper laughs and squeezes him gently, “That’s true but stiiillll.”

Sullivan shakes his head and laughs.

She nuzzles her face into his chest and hums, “I always run cold. Can’t help it.”

He rubs her back and smiles.

Juniper pulls back as the car pulls up, “Our savior, Frank.”

Sullivan laughs and opens the door for her.

She thanks him and gets into the SUV, “We missed you, Frank! You should’ve come with us.”

He laughs as he gets in, “Frank would’ve had a bad time.”

The driver laughs and shakes his head. Juniper shrugs as she puts on her seatbelt.

Sullivan buckles up and smiles.

Juniper kicks her shoes off and sighs happily, “Better.”

He laughs, “I bet.”

She grins and leans her head back against the seat.

Sully smiles and looks out the window.

Juniper looks over at him and smiles, “Did you have fun?”

He looks at her and nods, “Yeah.”

She nods and nudges her knee against his, “Me too.”

Sullivan smiles and taps her hand with his finger, “good.”

Juniper laughs and takes his hand, “Wanna come see my place for a tour?”

His brows raise and he smiles, “Sure. Sounds fun.”

She smiles and nods her head, “I think you’ll like it.”

Sullivan laughs, “I’m gonna be jealous.”

Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “Maybeee but you’ll get your own someday soon.”

He chuckles, “I hope so.”

She leans over to him and grins, “I know so.”

Sullivan smiles and leans over too, “thank you.”

Juniper grins and taps his nose.

He laughs and wrinkles his nose.

She giggles and lays her head back on her seat.

Sullivan smiles, “You seem happy.”

Juniper shrugs with a smile, “Well I am and a little tipsy.”

He chuckles, “I like it when you’re happy.”

She raises her brows and laughs, “You’re good at distracting me.”

Sullivan laughs, “Glad to be of service.”

Juniper squeezes his hand and smiles, “Are you happy?”

He shrugs and smiles, “sure.”

She tilts her head to the side and furrows her brows, “Sure?”

Sullivan shrugs, “I’m not unhappy. I don’t really know how to answer.”

Juniper hums softly and shakes her head, “But not happy-happy?”

He nods, “Like I’m content. I feel like we did a good job tonight, it was just different, I’ve never done anything like that.”

She smiles and shrugs one shoulder, “But we had fun right?”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “Definitely. I had fun with you.”

Juniper leans closer to him and smiles, “Then be happy. It may be weird but try not to overthink. I’m the one who had my Sunday there with his girlfriend.”

He makes a face, “don’t remind me.”

She squeezes his jaw gently and smiles, “But you helped me. Thank you.”

Sullivan nods, “you’re welcome. But you shouldn’t need my help for that. You made out with another man in front of him multiple times, and he’s still gonna slink back to you on Sunday.”

Juniper shrugs her shoulders and hums, “Maybe I won’t be available.”

He smiles, “Well, if you wanna hang out, let me know.”

She smiles and strokes his jaw gently before dropping her hand, “If it’ll make you happy.”

Sullivan grins, “you know, that would make me happy.”

Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “You continue to be a man of mystery.”

He laughs and nudges his nose against her temple, “What do you mean?”

She grins and turns her head to him, leaning her forehead against his, “We were heavily making out but you’re unsure but just content but hanging out on a Sunday would make you happy?”

Sullivan raises his brows, “Making out heavily shouldn’t make me happy.”

Juniper pulls back slightly and furrows her brows, “What? Why?”

He tilts his head to the side, “Because, it’s for work essentially. It would be gross for me to feel that way, like I’m taking advantage of a situation to like get off or something.”

She nods her head and frowns a little to herself as they park in front of her house and she gets out, “Thank you again, Frank.”

Sullivan thanks Frank and then goes around to her, “Hey, why that reaction?”

Juniper shrugs one shoulder and leads him up to her front door, “I don’t know.”

He follows her, “you’re an amazing kisser, Juniper. And if the circumstances were different then it would make me happy. But it’s not like you wanted to kiss me because you wanted to kiss me because you like me. So for it to make me happy like that, it would just make me feel like I don’t see you as a person.”

She fumbles with her keys in her purse and nods her head as she unlocks her front door, “Well I liked kissing you because we’re friends and I felt safe. And it’s nice to have feel any pressure but just have fun with you.”

Sullivan smiles, “I’m glad that you liked it and felt safe with me. I want to be a safe person for you.”

Juniper opens the door to her place and leads him inside, “It’s whatever.”

He frowns, “Juniper, I think you’re misunderstanding me.”

She nods for him to come inside, “I get it. It’s all business and you don’t want to take advantage, I got that.”

Sullivan comes inside, “But I want to hang out with you, I like hanging out with you. That definitely makes me happy.”

Juniper tosses her shoes to the side and nods, “If you say so.”

He slips his shoes off and fights a sigh, “Please don’t be upset with me and not talk to me about it.”

She shakes her head and stands in front of him, “I’m not upset, let me give you a tour.”

Sullivan moves his hands to her waist and leans down to be at her level, “Promise you’re not upset and promise you know that it really does make me happy that we can hang out?”

Juniper puts her hands on his cheeks and nods, “I promise I’m not upset and I promise I know.”

He smiles and kisses her forehead, “thank you.”

She smiles and drops her hands to take his, “You don’t have to thank me. You don’t owe me an explanation for anything to be honest.”

Sullivan squeezes her hands and smiles at her, “I owe you my honesty though.”

Juniper grins and walks backwards into her place, “I guess sooooo.”

He smiles widely as he walks with her, “I do, cause I want this to be a genuine friendship. Not just a work thing, I care about you.”

She hums and tilts her head to the side, “Well thank you for putting up with me thus far.”

Sullivan spins her under his arm and smiles, “I wouldn’t word it like that.”

She squeals softly and laughs, “Okay, let me give you the tour.”

He smiles, “alright, I’m ready.”

Juniper squeezes his hands before letting go of one and leading him into the front room that is very decorated with a cozy feel, “This is the living room.”

Sullivan smiles, “very nice.”

She shrugs with a smile, “I wanted to lean into the vintage-y feel of the outside of the home. I had help to be honest.”

He smiles, “looks gorgeous.”

Juniper smiles with a nod as she tugs him into the kitchen, “And the kitchen, want anything? Water?”

Sullivan smiles, “Sure.”

She moves to the fridge and grabs them both bottles of fancy water, “Here you go.”

He chuckles and accepts it, “thank you.“

Juniper raises her brows and laughs, “What?”

Sullivan laughs, “I have Arrowhead brand at home.”

She sips her water and looks at the bottle, “Oh..take some home then.”

He laughs softly, “No, I’m not gonna take your fancy water.”

Juniper shrugs with a grin, “I don’t even realize what’s fancy and not anymore. It’s kinda sad.”

Sullivan shrugs and chuckles, “means you’ve made it.”

She laughs with a shrug, “I guess so. Come on, let me show you the patio, it overlooks my guest house and studio.”

He smiles, “Okay, lead the way. I’m not going anywhere.”

Juniper opens the patio door and leads him out, “This has the best view.”

His eyes widen as he takes in the view, “wow..”

She wraps her arm around his and grins up at him, “I love seeing reactions to it.”

Sullivan grins down at her, “this is what you wake up and go to sleep looking at?”

Juniper laughs with a nod, “My room actually points out at it.” She points to the second floor with a grin.

He smiles at her, “Wow..”

She smiles and shrugs one shoulder, “It’s peaceful. Sometimes too quiet but still it’s nice.”

Sullivan smiles, “It’s gorgeous.”

Juniper squeezes his arm, “Thank you.”

He nods and smiles down at her.

She grins and leans into him, “Okay wanna see the guest house?”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “Yeah, but it’s definitely gonna make me feel even worse about my place.”

Juniper laughs and pulls him over to the steps down to the house, “You’re welcome whenever.”

He chuckles, “You want to spend even more time with me?”

She walks down the steps and laughs, “Of course. I like you.”

Sully grins, “I like you too.”

Juniper grins and takes his hand as she leads him inside the guest house, flipping on the light into the main living area.”

He lets out a low whistle, “Fuck. You’re never allowed into my place.”

She laughs and shakes her head, “Oh come on, I’ve lived in the apartments of LA too.”

Sullivan laughs, “‘my place gives off frat house vibes.“

Juniper grins and nods to the doors, “Well there’s a bedroom right here so you’re welcome to stay.”

He smiles, “you want a stinky boy on your property?”

She laughs and shrugs one shoulder, “There’s a beautiful en-suite!”

Sullivan laughs and leans down to kiss the shoulder she shrugs.

Juniper grins and tilts her head to the side, “Besides you haven’t even seen the pool and that I know you’re gonna love.”

He grins widely and wraps his arms around her, “Can we go in?”

She laughs and puts her hands on his shoulders, “Right now? Of course.”

Sullivan grins and swings her around, “Okay lead the way!”

Juniper laughs and pulls out of arms to grab two towels from the closet then leads him outside towards the pool, “It’s so beautiful, I honestly don’t use it enough.”

He follows her and starts to unbutton his shirt, “I’ll be here everyday just to say a quick hi and take a dip.”

She grins as she sets the towels down on the lounger and watches him, “You’re welcome to. In fact if the press got whiff they’d eat that up. ‘Sully has breakfast every morning with girlfriend in Hollywood Hills.’”

Sullivan laughs as he shrugs the shirt off, “What’s your favorite thing for breakfast?” He steps out of his shoes.

Juniper hums as she eyes his shirtless chest before she unzips the back of her dress, “My favorite is probably cinnamon rolls but what I usually have is like an açaí bowl.”

He nods and grins, “Okay, and your favorite coffee order?” He undoes his pants and lets them fall before stepping out of them.

She laughs and raises her brows, “Two shots of espresso over ice. Three if I have a long day.”

Sullivan laughs, “That’s it? I can make you that.”

Juniper slips off her dress and laughs as she puts her hands on her hips, “Why are you asking?”

He grins, “For when I bring you breakfast especially as an apology for this.” He playfully runs at her and tackles her into the pool.

She screams in surprise as she falls into the pool with him before quickly holding her breath to go under the water.

Sullivan laughs underwater and keeps his arms around her as he brings them to the surface.

Juniper wraps her legs around him and laughs as she comes above water, “Sully!”

He chuckles and holds her thighs as he spins them in the water, “I had to!”

She squeaks softly and moves her hands to wipe her under eyes, “You just loooove to make my mascara all runny.”

Sullivan grins and helps her wipe off parts she missed, “You don’t need it anyways.”

Juniper grins and puts her hands on the back of his head, “Oh I beg to differ.”

He rolls his eyes, “I like when you don’t wear makeup and I can see your freckles.”

She smiles and shakes her head, “You’re all about the natural look then huh? Is that your usual type?”

Sullivan shakes his head, “I’m not all about anything. I think you’re beautiful naturally, and I think your makeup enhances it. There are some things I miss when it’s off and some things I miss when it’s on.”

Juniper grins and tilts her head to the side, “Oh so you’ve spent time staring at my face then?”

He chuckles, “Swimming with you is the only way to get you eye level with me.”

She hums with shrugs, “Unless you carry me.”

Sullivan grins, “That too, but that also happened after swimming.”

Juniper runs her nails against the back of his head and hums, “What about earlier? We made it work with the stool.”

He hums and tilts his head side to side, “also true..”

She grins and slides her hands down to his chest, “Just have to be creative or just keep looking at the top of my head.”

Sullivan laughs, “At least it’s a nice top of the head.”

Juniper laughs and pushes him as she swims backwards away from him, “No one’s ever complimented my head before. Not that one at least.”

He throws his head back as he laughs loudly.

She winks at him with a grin before she goes under water and swims towards the deep end.

Sully laughs and swims after her.

Juniper comes up above the water and pushes her hair off her face with a laugh.

He grins as he resurfaces in front of her.

She grins at him and treads water, “Hi.”

Sullivan grins, “Hi. Do you like playing in pools or just swimming?”

Juniper raises a brow and laughs, “Oh I’m here for racing.”

He laughs, “Oh racing huh? I guess that could be fun.”

She kicks him playfully and laughs, “You’re gonna win though, you have a swimmers body.”

Sullivan laughs and grabs her foot playfully, “I do.”

Juniper grins and wiggles in his grasp, “Let’s try anyways.”

He tickles her foot and grins, “okay.”

She giggles and pulls her foot back, “I’m ticklish!”

Sullivan laughs, “Sorry, sorry.”

Juniper grins and lightly pinches his cheek, “Okay, let’s race.”

He chuckles, “Okay. Count us down.”

She nods and puts her hand on the edge of the pull, “Ready, set….go!” She dives under water and starts to swim.

Sullivan grins and starts to race her to the other side, passing her fairly easily.

Juniper focuses on her swimming and doesn’t notice him getting ahead as she swims her hardest.

He swims past her and waits by the wall without touching it cause he sees how hard she’s swimming and doesn’t wanna beat her.

She swims until she touches the wall and pops up above the water to look at him, “Of course you won..”

Sullivan widens his eyes, “oh shit, I didn’t touch the wall! You won!”

Juniper narrows her eyes at him and smiles, “Did you do that on purpose?!”

He grins and quickly shakes his head no.

She moves closer to him and smirks, “Sully..”

Sullivan chuckles and moves his hands to her waist, “June Bug..”

Juniper grins widely and moves her hands over his chest, “I like when you call me that. I usually hate my real name.”

He grins widely, “Really? I love your name.. June.. Junie..”

She shakes her head and laughs, “I’m just not used to it. I’ve had a lot of people just call me J to shorten it but it’s cute when you say it.”

Sullivan smiles, “Junie.”

Juniper smiles and moves her legs around him again, “Sully.”

He holds her legs and smiles, “What do you think is next for us?”

She hums and shrugs one shoulder, “Guess we need to ask our publicists.”

Sullivan spins them in the water, “I like you.”

Juniper squeals loudly and wraps her arms around him tightly. “Yeah?”

He nods and grins as they move around the pool, “Yeah, I do.”

She nudges her nose against his, “Me too.”

Sullivan smiles and rubs her legs.

Juniper hums softly and rubs the back of his neck, “Does anyone call you Graham?”

He chuckles, “My mom, maybe a few people from high school.”

She smiles and leans her head back, “Do you like it or not?”

He shrugs a little and laughs, “I think I’m just not used to it, weirdly enough. I’ve been Sully for so long, even before needing the name change.”

Juniper nods with a smile, “I feel that way too about my name but it feels more of a stage name since I’ve had it since I was so young.”

Sullivan smiles, “Yeah, like Sully was always my nickname so it was the easiest stage name for me to go with.”

She nods with a hum, “Mine was only because my parents realized I liked to dance and sing for people but June wasn’t very marketable.”

He laughs, “June Carter Cash would disagree. Especially when June wasn’t even her first name.”

Juniper laughs with a shrug, “You’re right. I just should be lucky my name doesn’t end in Leigh or have unnecessary letters like most of the people I was friends with who are naming babies now.”

Sullivan laughs and nods his head, “that’s very true.”

She shakes her head and giggles, “Honestly, most of the people I knew growing up before getting into the business are married with one and a half kids.”

He lets out a low whistle, “It’s insane.”

Juniper squeezes her legs around him with a laugh, “Love kids, hate the idea of them right now.”

Sullivan laughs, “we are kids.”

She giggles and squeezes his chin, “You’re a baby!”

He groans and laughs, “And you’re a cougar!”

Juniper shrugs with a laugh, “A fake one!”

Sullivan laughs, “Your legs around me are pretty real.”

She raises her brows and unhooks her legs around him, “True but we’re friends.”

He laughs and pulls her legs back around him, “do you act like this with all your friends, or just your pretend boyfriends?”

Juniper shrugs as she flushes softly, “I don’t know. I honestly don’t have a lot of close friends especially guys.”

Sullivan smiles, “so I’m your best guy friend.”

She laughs and shrugs one shoulder, “Best friend?”

He smiles, “Best friend?”

Juniper hums and tilts her head to the side, “I think you could be my best friend but I don’t know if I’m yours.”

Sullivan smiles, “I honestly haven’t really had a best friend before.”

She drapes her arms over his shoulders and teases, “Because you won’t tell anyone all your secrets.”

He shrugs and smiles, “I’ve never trusted anyone enough.”

Juniper raises her brows and hums, “How can I earn your trust?”

Sullivan hums, “I already told you about the being called the f-slur thing, so I’d say you’re making good progress.”

She smiles and kisses his cheek gently, “Tell me something else.”

He raises brows as he thinks, “Like what?”

Juniper shrugs one shoulder and smiles, “Something you’d tell a best friend.”

Sullivan laughs, “Ummm.. A teacher at the private school I went to tried to sleep with me when I was home for the summer freshman year of college?”

She widens her eyes and laughs, “Oh shit, did you take her up on it?”

He shakes his head and laughs, “No, that shit is creepy.”

Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “It is but I never went to school past elementary school so all my teachers would reaaallyy be creepy.”

His eyes widen, “Whoa, that’s crazy.”

She raises her brows and smiles, “What? Home school?”

Sullivan laughs, “I just forget that people don’t go to like classroom settings unless they have them on set.”

Juniper laughs with a shrug, “It just became easier because I got so busy so fast.”

He nods a little, “makes sense.”

She smiles and nods to him, “But you, you did the whole thing. College and everything, what was that like?”

Sullivan smiles, “I loved college. Obviously high school was a bad time for me, but I loved my classes and being surrounded by like minded people.”

Juniper grins and raises her brows, “What was the craziest thing you did in college? Go streaking? Do a keg stand and get the world record? Blackout and take a final the next day?”

He laughs, “No, I mean, as you’ve learned I very much like being in control of myself.”

She shakes her head and laughs, “True but there has to be something.”

Sullivan hums, “Okay but as my best friend you can’t judge me.”

Juniper grins and puts her hand on her chest, “I promise, bestie.”

He chuckles, “I had a threesome.. on the theatre stage..”

She drops her jaw and widens her eyes, “Graham Sullivan! You bad boy!”

Sullivan’s cheeks flush, “You said you wouldn’t judge!”

Juniper giggles and shakes her head, “I’m not! That is wild like I asked for! How was it?”

He laughs shyly, “Incredible. It was two seniors when I was finishing my sophomore year. They were best friends and said it was on their bucket list.”

She brushes her thumb against his cheek and laughs, “Sounds like a fun time. And exactly how I pictured college.”

Sullivan laughs, “Having two girls pounce on me was definitely crazy.”

Juniper shakes her head and grins, “I mean you could have five at least if you wanted to now.”

He shakes his head and laughs, “I am beyond good.”

She laughs and squeezes his shoulders, “So that was your only time?”

Sullivan nods and laughs more, “Yeah, definitely.”

Juniper hums and leans her head back with a nod, “You’re cute when you get all flustered.”

He playfully rolls his eyes as his cheeks pink up more.

She grins wider and nudges her nose against his cheek.

Sullivan laughs, “Okay, that was a lot of sharing for me.”

Juniper nods and pulls back with a smile, “I think we can both say best friends now.”

He grins, “Good.”

She pushes him lightly before she pulls away and lays on her back to float and look at the sky.

Sullivan watches her before moving to float beside her.

Juniper smiles to herself as she sighs softly.

He smiles and looks up at the sky.

She nudges her hand against his and grins.

Sullivan laughs and twiddles her fingers with his.

Juniper laughs softly and closes her eyes.

He grins and then moves his fingers between hers.

She smiles and squeezes his hand gently.

Sully smiles to himself and hums.

Juniper nudges her elbow against his, “I should do this more often.”

He laughs, “float?”

She laughs and shrugs, “Slow down.”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “you should.”

Juniper hums with a smile, “I know but I usually can’t.”

He smiles. “I guess that’s when you call me.”

She smiles and squeezes his hand with a nod.

Sullivan smiles and squeezes her hand back.

Juniper hums softly and glances at him, “We balance each other out I think.”

He smiles, “I think so too.”

She smiles and closes her eyes again, “It’s nice.”

Sully nods and smiles before leaning over to kiss her cheek.

Juniper smiles wider and hums softly, “You can spend the night if you want. In the guest house or a real guest room.”

He smiles, “sure. Whichever is easier for you.”

She shrugs and smiles, “Well whatever makes you comfortable. You can even sleep in my bed, I’m not particular. And once I’m asleep, I’m out.”

Sullivan hums softly, “do you want me to sleep in your bed?”

Juniper glances at him and smiles, “Maybe.”

He chuckles, “Okay, we’ll give it a shot.”

She shifts to stand in the pool and laughs, “I like cuddling.”

Sullivan laughs, “I’ve gathered that.”

Juniper grins and shrugs one shoulder, “How did you know?”

He grins, “you’re just snuggly.”

She smiles and tugs on his hand to the stairs of the pool, “With people I like.”

Sullivan smiles and follows her out of the pool.

Juniper smiles and hands him a towel.

He dries off and runs the towel over his hair.

She squeezes her hair to drain her hair with a laugh before she wraps the towel around herself, “I can throw your stuff in the dryer?”

Sullivan laughs, “Sure. And then you can tell everyone you got me out of my boxers.”

Juniper winks at him with a laugh, “Do you wanna shower? I can do it in the meantime?”

He nods and laughs, “Sounds good.”

She leads him upstairs and inside, “Let me show you the upstairs anyways.”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “Okay.”

Juniper walks upstairs and opens the first door, “Guestroom and here is the guest bath.” She opens the next door, “Then we have the laundry right next to it.”

He looks around as he listens to her, “Wow.”

She laughs and nods to another door, “That’s an office but not much going on in there and then my room is here.” She opens her door and leads him inside.

Sullivan follows her in and his brows raise, “Wow..”

Juniper grins softly and nods as she leads him to the balcony over looking the pool and the view, “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

He smiles. “And you worked hard for it.”

She shrugs one shoulder and smiles, “Thank you.”

Sullivan grins at her, “you’re welcome.”

Juniper squeezes his arm and smirks, “Okay let’s get you out of those shorts.”

He chuckles, “Shorts.”

She laughs and pushes him playfully, “Boxers? Briefs? Whatever you like.”

Sully grabs her hand gently and kisses her wrist before letting go. He wraps the towel around his waist and then takes off his briefs, his towel falling low on his hips and he holds them out, “thank you.”

Juniper grins and takes them as she adjusts her own towel to wrap around her body before slipping off her own panties and unhooking her bra, “I’ll get you another towel.”

Sullivan goes to start the water of the shower, “Okay.”

She goes to throw the clothes into the dryer and grabs him a fresh towel before knocking on the bathroom door, “For you.”

Sullivan is already in the shower when she comes back since the doors are frosted and he calls out, “you can just hang it up, thanks.”

Juniper raises her brows as she goes into the bathroom and sets the towel on the hook by the shower and draws a heart out of the steam on the shower door with a grin.

He chuckles as he watches her and he draws a smiley face within the heart she drew on his side.

She laughs, “I’m gonna shower in my bathroom, you can grab whatever from the dryer and lay in my bed if I’m not out.”

Sully laughs, “I’ll wait for you before getting into bed.”

She nods and leaves the bathroom before going to get into her shower.

He finishes his shower and then gets out, towel drying before going to the dryer. He tries not to touch her stuff as he gets his briefs and he slides them back on before going downstairs to get them waters.

Juniper takes her shower and does a quick skin care routine before putting her hair into a braid and changing into a nightie and walking downstairs to find him.

Sullivan looks up as he hears her and he smiles, “Hi, I was just bringing up water.”

She grins and nods her head, “That’s what I was thinking too.”

He smiles and holds a bottle out to her, “you look cute.”

Juniper smiles brightly and takes the water, “Oh thank you.”

Sully grins and shrugs, “you’re welcome. You ready for bed?”

She nods and smiles as she nods to the stairs.

He smiles and goes back upstairs with her.

Juniper leads him into her room and sets her things on the beside before crawling into bed.

Sullivan watches her and then pulls the blankets back on his side and then gets in.

She puts some lotion on her hands and grins at him, “So what’s your cuddle position? You big spoon or little spoon?”

He laughs, “Neither, I’m a lay on my back with my chest as her pillow kind of guy.”

Juniper grins and nods her head, “I’m up for it.”

Sully sighs and looks at her, “Okay, I have one condition for me sleeping in your bed.”

She raises her brows and laughs, “Hit me.”

He laughs, “if I have morning wood, you cannot say anything about it.”

Juniper laughs and leans her head back, “Okay, okay.”

Sullivan shakes his head and laughs, “I’ll be asleep and won’t even know!”

She smirks and nudges her elbow against his, “Uh huh.”

He shakes his head and laughs, “be nice. I’ve never slept with a girl that I wasn’t having some sort of relations with.”

Juniper raises her brows as she smiles, “Really?”

Sullivan laughs, “really.@

She hums and shifts to lay down, “Well technically we have some relations just not that kind.”

He chuckles, “Junie.”

Juniper grins and hums, “Yes?”

Sully shakes his head and laughs, “you know what.”

She giggles and shrugs one shoulder, “I mean it’s true, you’re my favorite fake boyfriend.”

He holds his arm out, “I better. I was pulling out my best moves for those kisses.”

Juniper raises her brows and shifts into his arms, “Really? What’s your favorite move?”

Sullivan laughs, “Well I can’t just tell you. What if I want to surprise you later on?”

She pouts at him and curls into his side, “Aw come on. We don’t know if we’ll even kiss again. Who knows? Your team may end our relationship tomorrow.”

He laughs, “How about this, if that’s true, I’ll show you anyways.”

Juniper smirks to herself and nods her head, “Deal.”

Sully chuckles and closes his eyes.

She reaches over to turn out the lights and snuggles into his chest.

He wraps his arms around her and plays with the end of her braid.

Juniper closes her eyes and sighs softly as she runs her hand over his chest.

Sullivan hums, “this is how I knew you’d like to cuddle, seems like physical touch is your love language.”

She smiles to herself and laughs softly, “How did you know?”

He chuckles, “cause you’re not shy about touching me, even when it’s just us.”

Juniper nods as she rubs his chest with a smile, “I just like feeling close to my people.”

Sullivan smiles, “So you do this with your girlfriends?”

She giggles sleepily and shrugs. “Sometimes.”

He chuckles and closes his eyes.

Juniper sighs happily and hums, “But it’s more fun with you.”

Sullivan squeezes her and smiles, “Cause you like my body.”

She giggles and nods her head, “Yeah I do. You’re hot.”

He chuckles and squeezes her gently.

Juniper smiles to herself as she gets sleepier.

Sullivan holds her close as he lets himself get tired.

She runs her nails over his collarbone and smiles sleepily, “Sleep well..”

He hums and tightens his arms around her, “you too..”

Juniper drifts off to sleep soundly against him.

Sullivan falls asleep with her.

[stochastique-blog]

Here we go

Tea…

. . . #drinktea #brewtea #havetea #chinesetea #ceramicart #zen #wabisabipottery #jingdezhen #ceramist #blackpottery #handbuiltclay #teatable #lightson #lightart #photoeveryday #bestceramics #ceramitique https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9BCCku1dd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[straykidsmedia]

© LightsOn [1, 2] please do not edit or crop logo

[250318]

© LightsOn | do not edit and/or crop logo

[inthewychelm]

late nite bite🩸🩸🩸 (lightsON vers. + close up details below)

[pers0n1ch]

THE MAIN CREW OF NEVERLAND!

Welcome Pencelia, Mikella, Cameron, and Lightson!

These toons are their own species of toons, that I like to call backstage toons! Sadly, the rest of these backstage toons were wiped out when “The Fall” happened. Maybe a few of them survived, but all they can do is hope. Each of them had their own name before, but they decided to change it to their species name to forever remember the lost.

Pencelia is the leader of the group and has a special ability called Creation/Imagination. Whatever she can imagine she can make, as long as she fully understands the inner workings of it. This does make her an overly curious and nerdy person though. When she uses this it does cause some mental strain, so she can’t use it without a price. She mainly functions as leader/vanguard/or engineer during battle.

Lightson is the second strongest and his ability is the ability to bend light to his will. His sword Solaris, is made through his ability. His creation given to him, is the ability to move at light speed, but once it ends does make him dizzy. He mainly functions as co-leader/vanguard. He loves being the star of the show, but knows when to stop.

Mikella is the third strongest and the youngest of the group aside from Ray, she is about 16 years old. She can manipulate sound! Unlike Lightson though she doesn’t usually use this ability for combat, instead she uses it to calm or distract twisteds or toons. Her ability is similar to Lightson, except it allows her to travel at the speed of sound. She functions as an operator/vanguard/scout. Due to that Ray spends most of his time with her. They each see each other as an older or younger sibling respectively.

Finally Cameron, the camera man never dies! He’s a quiet guy compared to his girlfriend Cinna. In combat he is usually supporting fire, but is really physically strong, almost as physically strong as Mikella. He uses his other eye to shoot out missiles, and constantly uses machine guns, and other ranged weapons. His creation is the ability to make his shots homing as long as he has sight of the target. He functions as a vanguard/scout if necessary.

More lore on them will be posted in their own little blurbs and rants!

Operation Ichor is @slumbrr-r’s au! I just made some oc’s inside it!

[slowtovvn]

Showering with the #lightson :(

[skz-source]

© LightsOn | do not edit and/or crop logo

[acrylicafternooning]

tagged in this ask game by the lovely lovely @snoopyfc (about a week ago but we move 🫣)

🎧 Last Song: lightsonic - groove armada (i love groove armada)

🖍️ Favourite Color: pink !! 🩷🩷

📚 Last Book: robinson crusoe by daniel defoe... i had to read it for my course and i have mixed (mostly negative) feelings about it

🎥 Last Movie: the trip - was interesting although im p sure its cut from a longer series so idk

📺 Last TV-Show: recently finished peep show!!

🍜 Sweet/Spicy/Savory: spicy!! i looove spicy food and putting various chilli powders in my cooking

💕 Relationship Status: having a horrible time with hinge

🌐 Last thing I googled: meaning of the name naoise (im on the writing grindset)

💓 Current Obsession: bullet journalling and swimming!

🔮 Looking forward to: going out tonight with my friends 😛

ummm im gonna tag @lanarchive @boyplushie @hollowslantern 🫶🫶 and everyone else also 🫵

[lys-d-raev]

Little foxie went for a walk this New Year night and found nice blinking lightson a bridge. "It's so nice!" - she thoughts, and it makes her happy. She decides to make the next year the best years she lived. And wish you the same .)

Happy New Year

[juniperwest]

lights on pt 1

winter - juniper & sullivan attend the ama's

A few hours before the American Music Awards are to start, Sullivan is told to meet Juniper at the hotel while she gets glammed and for him to get ready in the suite there. He has a garment bag over his shoulder and knocks on the door to the room.

Juniper was finishing up her glam for the award show in a hotel nearby the venue. She hadn’t had any nominations since her music was being released soon but they had asked her to present an award which made the night filled with less pressure. She had just gotten out of the chair but still in her robe when she heard the door, “I’ll get it. It’s probably my date.” Juniper opens the door and grins at him, “Oh hey, babe.”

Sullivan smiles widely at Juniper, “Hi, you look beautiful.” He leans down and lightly kisses her cheek, “don’t wanna mess up your makeup.”

She laughs and nods to invite him in, “Appreciate you.”

He steps in and greets her glam squad, “When should I get dressed?”

Juniper smiles and nods her head, “I’m gonna get dressed now so we can get some bts, do you want any make up or anything? They can touch you up.”

Sullivan raises his brows, “Oh sure, as long as it’s not any trouble.”

She shakes her head and nods to the chair, “She’s the best, I’ll be right back.”

He nods and takes off his shirt so he’s in his undershirt and sits down in the chair.

Juniper goes into the other room and has her stylist help her into her sparkly outfit.

Sully gets his touch up and then gets up to change.

She comes out from the room and twirls for her team with a grin before doing a few bts shots for their socials.

He is putting on his belt when Juniper comes out and he grins widely as he watches, “Wow!”

Juniper looks over her shoulder at him and grins, “You like it?”

Sullivan moves over to her and grins, “I love it.” He takes her hand and gives her a spin, “Incredible.”

She laughs and spins around for him, “It’s fun right?”

He chuckles and nods, “It is. If someone bothers you just spin and they’ll back up.”

Juniper laughs and moves her hand to smooth over his jacket lapel, “You look handsome. You excited?”

Sullivan smiles shyly and shrugs, “I think so.”

She raises her brows and hums, “Think? Why?”

He laughs softly, “Just a little nervous. I’ve never been to a music industry event before.”

Juniper gently squeezes his chin and smiles, “They are way more fun than acting events plus I’ll be there.”

Sullivan playfully rolls his eyes, “that’s the only part I know I’m excited about.”

She grins and drops her hand, “I think we’re ready to go. So no pictures on the carpet but you go first and then wait for me to walk in together?”

He nods his head, “Okay. It won’t be weird for me to walk the carpet alone?”

Juniper tilts her head to the side and smiles, “Why would it? You’re the internet’s boyfriend and everyone wants to see your cute face right now.”

Sullivan shrugs and smiles, “Okay..”

She takes his hand and grins, “Let’s go.”

He holds her hand and slips his fingers between hers as he leads the way out.

Juniper squeezes his hand and thanks her team as they walk out of the hotel room.

Sully looks at her, “you excited?”

She nods with a hum, “Yeah, I much prefer going to these things when I’m not up for an award.”

He smiles, “less nerve wracking?”

Juniper hums with a smile, “Less pressure.”

Sullivan nods, “you just have to show up and have fun.”

She laughs with a nod, “Exactly.”

He smiles, “Is the car at the back of the hotel?”

Juniper hums and shakes her head, “Unfortunately it’s in the front..past the cameras. They want promotions for the hotel of course.”

Sullivan laughs and nods, “Okay. How do you wanna get to the car together? Holding hands? My hand on your back? Just walking close?”

She hums and squeezes his hand, “I’ll go first then you come a few seconds after me, help me in the car then get in on the other side?”

He nods a little, “Okay.”

Juniper smiles and lets go of his hand, holding out her clutch, “Here, hold my purse too. That’ll add to it.”

Sullivan raises his brows and laughs, “Okaaayy..” he takes the clutch.

She squeezes his wrist and grins, “Showtime?”

He nods his head, “Lead the way, baby.”

Juniper nods and winks at him before she goes through the door and keeps her head down as the cameras start to flash and call out her name.

Sully waits a couple of seconds before keeping his head down as he walks out and moves to help her into the car with his freehand.

She gets into the car with his help and grins at him once she’s in the car.

He closes the door with a smirk and gets in on the other side.

Juniper grins at him as he gets in, “Hello..”

Sully smiles at her, “Hi..” he holds out her clutch to her.

She takes the clutch and nods, “Thank you. Only one more round of flashing lights for a bit.”

He nods his head, “Okay, that’ll be good. You know who we’re sitting near?”

Juniper shakes her head and hums, “Not sure. I think fairly close to the front. Apparently they want audience shots of us.”

Sullivan laughs, “Jeez. I like hanging out but it’ll be kinda nice when not every minute detail of our lives is being orchestrated by other people.”

She laughs and shrugs one shoulder, “That’s kinda the whole point of our relationship.”

He hums, “I guess.”

Juniper nudges her elbow against his and smiles, “It’s all for our careers right?”

Sullivan nods, “Yeah, I just thought it’d be a little simpler.”

She raises her brows and hums, “I mean..we can call it after this event I’m sure. After a few more weeks but we don’t have to do anything together. I think it’s been enough time.”

His brows raise, “What do you mean?”

Juniper shrugs with a hum, “If it’s getting to be too much. This, you know.”

Sullivan shakes his head, “It’s not that, I’m fine with our arrangement. I’m just not so used to being under a microscope like that where the smallest things are being set up.”

She half smiles and nods her head, “Welcome to my world I guess.”

He nods a little and holds his hand out to her.

Juniper takes his hand and smiles.

Sullivan gently squeezes it, “I’m not gonna run.”

She nods and squeezes his hand back with a small laugh, “I mean I wouldn’t blame you.”

He shakes his head, “I’m not gonna abandon you.”

Juniper smiles and nods her head, “Thank you.”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “you’re welcome. Now do you want me to get some pictures of you?”

She laughs with a nod, “Yeah, good idea.”

He holds his hand out for her phone.

Juniper hands him her phone and poses in the seat for him.

Sullivan laughs as he takes photos of her.

She grins at the camera before shifting to look over her shoulder.

He smiles widely and gets different angles, “You are so photogenic.”

Juniper laughs and holds her hand out to take the phone, “Let me get you, I’ll set it as my phone background.”

Sullivan poses and jokingly gives her a smoldering look.

She giggles and snaps a few photos.

He laughs and then gets silly with his poses.

Juniper grins and takes a few more pics, “Adorable.”

Sullivan grins at her and shakes his head.

She puts the phone down and grins, “Let me post of me to my story.”

He nods and smiles, “Okay.”

Juniper hums and picks one of the pictures he took and posts it on her story, tagging him in small text in the corner.

Sullivan smiles as he watches her.

She grins and shows him her phone, “How is it?”

He grins, “perfect.”

Juniper laughs and nudges her elbow against his before looking out the window, “Almost there.”

Sullivan smiles, “Wow, our big sort of debut.”

She grins and nods her head, “This is the last time to back out.”

He chuckles, “I’m not gonna.”

Juniper squeezes his arm and smiles, “Okay.”

Once they pull up he takes a deep breath, “see you at the end of the carpet.”

She nods with a smile, “See you there.”

Sullivan nods and gets out before going to walk the red carpet.

Juniper waits a few moments before she also gets out and grins as she goes over to say hi to a few fans before she gets on the carpet.

After he’s done getting pictures taken, doing a few interviews where he plays coy being asked about Juniper, going to sign some autographs and do fan photos, and walking the carpet, he waits for Juniper.

She waves to the fans before going to the carpet, giving the cameras a bunch of different poses before her manager whisks her to a few interviews.

Sullivan watches her from the entrance of the venue.

Juniper glances at him in between interviews and grins with a wave which she notices a camera catching before she subtly rolls her eyes.

He waves back with a smile and then ducks a little into the shadows.

She finishes up her interviews and blows a bunch of kisses to her fans before approaching him.

Sullivan smiles, “Hey.”

Juniper grins and moves her hand over his lapels, “How did it go?”

He smiles and lightly places a hand on her waist, “Good, I think.”

She nods with a smile, “Stay still for a second, yeah?”

His brows raise and he nods, “Okaaayyy.” He laughs nervously.

Juniper grins and puts her hands on his neck as she leans up on her toes to kiss the corner of his mouth, keeping her lips there for a moment before pulling back.

Sullivan’s cheeks turn a light shade of pink and he smiles shyly.

She grins and strokes the sides of his neck, “Think that sold it?”

He chuckles, “Probably.” He rubs his thumbs in circles on her bare waist.

Juniper smiles and moves her thumb to wipe any lip gloss residue off his face, “Good. Sorry about that.”

Sullivan chuckles, “It’s okay.”

She grins and pulls back slightly, “Into the show then?”

He nods and offers her his arm, “let’s go, June Bug.”

Juniper laughs and takes his arm, “Cute.”

Sullivan laughs and leads her inside.

She follows him to the usher to lead them to their seats in the front as expected.

He speaks softly, “should I be keeping my hands to myself the rest of the night?”

Juniper shakes her head and smiles as she sits down, “No, I mean nothing too crazy but it’s a hard launch.”

Sullivan sits beside her and puts his hand on her leg, “This okay?”

She puts her hand over his and grins with a nod as she shifts closer to him, “Definitely.”

He smiles widely and leans his face close to hers, “How are you feeling?”

Juniper hums and squeezes his wrist, “I actually have little butterflies right now. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the adrenaline in the room, maybe it’s you, I don’t know.”

He grins, “that’s quite cute.”

She laughs and raises her brows, “Is it?”

Sully nods and smiles, gently squeezing her leg, “Yeah, it is.” He smiles. “Is there anyone you need to say hi to?”

Juniper hums and looks around, “Yeah, probably.”

He smiles. “I’ll follow your lead.”

She nods and stands up as she looks around, “Oh look, Eli’s here.”

Sullivan looks over and sees Eli and grins, “Hey, a familiar face.” He gets up and Eli stops them and brings Faye over with him, “Hey guys.”

Juniper squeezes his hand as she smiles at them, “Hey, Eli! And Faye, right?” Faye nods with a grin, “Yeah, nice to officially meet you.”

Eli smiles, “Right, sorry. Faye this is Juniper, Juniper this is Faye. Faye, you remember Sully.” Sullivan smiles and waves at her, “Carson’s other friend.”

Faye raises her brows as she looks up at Sully, “Carson has other friends?”

Sullivan laughs, “that’s why I emphasized it.” Eli chuckles, “be nice, he’s not even here to defend himself.”

She leans into Eli’s side and laughs, “Oh I’m just teasing of course I remember Sully. And you two are all anyone is talking about lately.” Juniper raises her brows and laughs, “Really?” Faye nods and grins, “Oh, Sylvia is a big fan.”

Sullivan laughs and looks down at Juniper, “I told you, she yelled at me about you.”

Juniper giggles softly and nods her head, “Oh right. That’s sweet of her.”

Eli laughs, “You’d love her. She’ll be at the after party, and you’ll make her life if you say hi.”

Faye nods in agreement with a smile, “She’s the best. We’re obsessed with her. Actually wish they were here too, she’d love this.”

Eli grins, “I’ll try and get more tickets for the next one, I’d love to see them here.” Sully chuckles and looks down at Juniper, “you okay meeting more of my friends?”

Juniper nods as she smiles up at him, “Of course.”

Eli smiles and looks down at Faye, “Should we go sit?” Sully smiles and rubs her back.

Faye nods as she leans into him, “Yeah, we’ll catch you at the after party?”

Sully nods and grins, “Yeah, absolutely.” Eli smiles, “It was good to see you again, Juniper.”

Juniper nods with a grin, “Oh yeah, see you guys later!” She squeezes Sully’s hand and smiles up at him.

Eli waves and leads Faye back to their seats. Sullivan smiles and kisses her head.

Juniper grins and leans into him, “Oh we should sit, I think it’s about to start. I’ll flaunt you around more at the after party.”

He nods and smiles, “Okay.” He holds his hand out to help her sit.

She smiles and takes his hand as she leads him back to their seats and sits down.

Sully sits beside her and places his hand back on her leg.

Juniper leans closer to him and grins, “Excited?”

He nods and smiles, “I think this will be fun. What do you want me to do while you present though? Wait for you backstage or stay here?”

She puts her hand over his and hums, “Just stay here I guess. They will put a seat filler for the time I’m gone.”

He nods and shifts his hand so her fingers move between his, “Alright, I’ll sit next to a stranger instead of my girlfriend.”

Juniper laughs and brushes her thumb over his knuckle, “Unless you wanna come back with me, you can.”

Sullivan hums, “maybe we wait to see how we feel about it when they come to bring you back.”

She nods and nudges her elbow against his as the show starts and the host comes out.

He watches the stage and gently squeezes her fingers.

Juniper leans back in her seat and leans over to whisper in his ear, “The camera is already on us.”

Sullivan’s cheeks heat slightly and he chuckles and turns his head so their faces are incredibly close together.

She grins and nudges her nose against his.

He grins and squeezes her leg gently before looking back to the stage.

Juniper grins and turns back to look at the stage, clapping for the first presenter.

Sullivan does the same and then immediately places his hand back on her leg.

She puts her hand back on his and grins.

He smiles widely and glances at her.

Juniper raises her brows and looks at him, “Yes?”

Sully squeezes her leg, “Just checking on you.”

She grins and nods her head, “I’m good. Butterflies going away.”

He smiles, “Good.”

Juniper squeezes his hand and grins, “You good?”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “Yeah, I am.”

She nods and glances back to the stage as the first performance starts, “Oh it’s Gabe Reid, let’s stand!”

Sullivan laughs and stands up, holding his hand out to her.

Juniper stands and takes his hand as she starts to sway to the music.

He bops his head to the music and moves his hand to the small of her back.

She leans into him and grins up at him as she sways.

Sullivan grins at her as he nods along with the song.

Juniper taps his nose and laughs before turning back to watch the performance.

He chuckles and shakes his head.

She grins and claps along to the song.

Sullivan takes her hand and twirls her under his arm.

Juniper squeals softly as she spins before grinning up at him, “Sulllyyy..”

He grins at her, “Yes, June Bug?”

She laughs and shakes her head, “They are gonna eat this up.”

Sullivan laughs, “They sure are.” The song ends and he loudly cheers for Gabe.

Juniper grins and turns back to the stage as she claps for Gabe.

After Gabe waves his thanks and leaves the stage, Sully sits back down, offering Juniper his hand.

She sits down with him and laces her fingers through his as she looks at the stage, “Looks like there’s a commercial break now.”

Sully looks at her and whispers, “do they feed you at these things?”

Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “Not this one. We can get food on the way to the after party?”

He nods and laughs. “Okay, I didn’t eat before cause I didn’t wanna get a nervous stomach but now I’m starving.”

She squeezes his hand and laughs, “Don’t worry I’ll feed you, babe.”

Sullivan chuckles, “thank you.”

Juniper grins and nods her head, “I’m also starving.”

He laughs, “we didn’t plan this out very well.”

She giggles and squeezes his hand, “I can steal some snacks from the back.”

Sullivan grins, “my Angel.”

Juniper tosses her hair over her shoulder, “I know, I’m so sweet.”

He laughs and brushes his fingers over her shoulder, “you are to me.”

She grins and tilts her head to the side, “Well most of the time.”

Sullivan laughs and nods, trailing his fingertips over her cheek, “most of the time.”

Juniper smiles at the touch and hums, “You’re being cute.”

He smiles at her, “I’m supposed to, I’m your boyfriend.”

She shakes her head and whispers to him, “Yeah but not really.”

Sullivan laughs. “No one else knows that.”

Juniper grins and brushes her thumb over his chin before the show starts again and she leans back into her seat.

He smiles and looks back at the stage.

She watches the show until the next commercial when a PA comes up to escort her backstage, “You coming?”

Sully nods and smiles, “yeah.”

Juniper stands up and holds her hand out for him.

He grins and takes her hand as he gets up, “I’m following your lead, beautiful.”

She grins and follows the PA to the backstage, looking around and nods, “Look there’s a little craft table.”

Sullivan grins, “Thank god. I’ll wait til you’re done though.”

Juniper squeezes his arm and thanks him as the star of a new hit tv show walks over to them, “I think we’re paired together, Miss Juniper.” Juniper raises her brows and turns to smile at Max Kitt, “Hey, Max! I think so. Do you know Sullivan Shaw?”

Sullivan holds his freehand out to shake Max’s hand, “Max Kitt, right? Nice to meet you, congratulations on your show.”

Max shakes his hand and grins, “Thank you! Nice to meet you too, don’t worry I’ll take care of her out there.” He winks at Sully before he nods to the side stage. Juniper squeezes his arm and pulls back from him, “I’ll see you soon.”

He chuckles, “No need, Juniper can hold her own.” He leans down and kisses her cheek, “see you soon, baby.”

Juniper grins widely at Sullivan before she follows Max over to the side stage.

Sullivan hangs back as he watches, putting his hands in his pockets.

She goes onto the stage with Max after they are announced with her song playing. Juniper grins and turns to Max as he starts their lines.

He smiles as he watches them on stage.

Juniper goes back and forth with him for a minute before she nods to the big screen, “And the nominees for best new artist are..”

Sullivan watches on the TV as the nominations are announced and he cheers for Eli when they show him.

As the camera comes back to her, she waves the envelope and grins, “And the winner is…” She leans over to show Max before they both announce, “Eli Hudson!”

Sully cheers louder and Eli laughs in disbelief before kissing Faye.

Faye gasps then turns to him and returns the kiss before pulling back and pushing him slightly, “Go, go!”

Eli laughs and he gets up, shaking his head as he makes the way to the stage. He points at Tate and Gabe as he passes their row before getting onto the stage. He grins and makes his way over to Juniper and Max.

Juniper grins widely at Eli and gives him a quick hug before moving out of the way for him.

He accepts the award from them and he laughs as he speaks into the mic. “Wow, thank you everyone so much. This is my first award and to win best new artist at the American Music Awards is such an honor. I have so many people to thank but I wanna keep it brief… My team, Black Vamp Records but specifically Jade Sutton, I would not be on this stage without you, you gave me the confidence to pursue music. To Tatum Wright, one of the best damn co-writers this industry has ever seen, you make my music so special. Gabe Reid, for bringing a glitter boy like me on tour. My fans, my family, my friends, my Faye.. I wouldn’t be here without any of you. Thank you, I love you all.” He grins and looks at Juniper, walking off the stage with her and Max.

Tatum grins and claps for him in the crowd. Faye cheers loudly for him and blows a kiss to him. Juniper follows him backstage and grins, “Wow! You deserve it, Eli!”

Gabe stands up and cheers for Eli. Eli laughs happily and grins at her, “Thank you! It feels surreal.”

Juniper squeezes his arm and looks around for Sully.

Sullivan comes over and grins, hugging Eli, “Congratulations!” Eli laughs, “thank you! I’m still in shock.” Sullivan pulls back and puts his arm around Juniper, “so well deserved.”

She leans into Sully and grins, “Now go kiss that gorgeous girl of yours properly.”

Eli laughs, “Trust me, I’m gonna. I’ll see you guys later.” He waves and goes to see if Faye got brought back. Sullivan whispers to Juniper, “Let’s go eat.”

Juniper laughs and brings him over to the craft table.

Sullivan laughs, “Thank god.”

She laughs and takes a little bag of chips, “Perfect.”

He grabs an apple and takes a bite out of it.

Juniper grins and waves a tiny bottle of white wine, “Want some?”

Sully hums, “Sure.”

She smiles and finds some cups before splitting the bottle between the two of them with a grin.

He smiles and holds his cup up, “cheers.”

Juniper grins and bumps her cup against his, “Thanks for being my date.”

Sullivan smiles, “thanks for inviting me. Max is a bit of a twat, huh?”

She laughs and raises her brows, “Not too much different from most guys in this business.”

He chuckles, “fair enough.”

Juniper eats a few of her chips and hums, “How have you enjoyed the show so far?”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “I have.” He takes another bite of his apple and sucks on the juice.

She smiles and raises her brows as she watches him and sips her wine.

He chuckles, “Sorry, that wasn’t very good manners.”

Juniper grins and shakes her head, “It’s cute.”

Sullivan shrugs and laughs, “thanks.”

She squeezes his arm and finishes her chips b

He smiles and takes another bite of apple, “should we head back?”

Juniper hums with a nod, “Let’s finish the wine first.”

Sullivan nods and sips his before taking one more bite of his apple then tossing it.

She tilts her head back and finishes the wine with a hum, “Much better.”

He chuckles, “Yeah?”

Juniper nods as she tosses her cup, “Oh yeah, let’s go brave the cameras.”

Sullivan finishes his and holds his hand out to her.

She takes his hand and grins.

He smiles and moves his fingers between hers before leading her back out.

Juniper swings their hands as they follow the PA back to their seats.

Sullivan laughs to himself.

She looks up at him and smiles before she sits.

He sits beside her and moves their hands into her lap.

Juniper squeezes his hand and leans her elbow on the armrest between them.

Sullivan leans over and brushes his lips over her temple.

She smiles softly and rubs her hand over his, “I think we’re pretty good at this.”

He nods and laughs, “I’d say so.”

Juniper grins and squeezes his arm.

Sully smiles at her, “How will I know when your smiles are real?”

She raises her brows and tilts her head to the side slightly, “What do you mean?”

He shrugs, “and not just for show?”

Juniper smiles and shakes her head, “All of them are real.”

Sullivan holds his pinky up, “promise?”

She nods and hooks her pinky with his, “I promise.”

He smiles. “Thank you.”

Juniper smiles and nods to him, “You promise too?”

Sullivan nods, “I promise, and I’ll also tell you if that’s the case.”

She nods and squeezes his pinky with hers, “I will too. Besides if I’m faking a smile it’s probably won’t be at you. It’ll be at the camera.”

He smiles, “Thank you.”

Juniper smiles as she drops her hand, “But they are definitely eating up whatever we are doing tonight.”

Sullivan laughs, “We’re hot and charming.”

She laughs and taps his jaw, “Well you definitely are.”

He rolls his eyes. “Weeee.”

Juniper laughs and gently pinches his cheek.

Sully laughs and playfully nips at her wrist.

She giggles and leans into his side before the show starts up again.

He smiles and looks to the stage to watch.

Juniper runs her nails over his arm and watches the show.

Sully smiles and leans into her touch as he watches the show.

She leans over to whisper to him, “Have you met some of these people before?”

He nods his head and whispers back, “just a few.”

Juniper hums and raises her brows. “Anyone you reaaallly wanna meet?”

Sullivan shakes his head and laughs, “not really.”

She laughs and shakes her head, “Was trying to make your dreams come true tonight, damn it.”

Sullivan smiles, “Sorry. I’ve never really idolized anyone like that. Meeting Gabe was pretty cool though.”

Juniper smiles and shakes her head, “That’s probably a good thing.”

He chuckles, “Probably.”

She laughs softly and squeezes his arm.

He smiles, “for actors is a little different I guess. But not majorly.”

Juniper shrugs with a nod, “Do you look up to any actors then?”

Sullivan smiles, “Definitely. I love Marlon Brando.”

She raises her brows and grins, “Ooh very broody.”

He chuckles and shrugs, “Classic, it’s what I like.”

Juniper smiles and nods to him, “So what’s the dream role then?”

Sullivan smiles. “Well I think I mentioned Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese to you.”

She hums with a nod, “So like a crime, drama king?”

He hums and nods, “Just wanna be part of something epic.”

Juniper grins and leans closer to him, “And you will be.”

Sullivan smiles and nudges his nose against hers before pulling back, “Thank you.”

She smiles brightly and looks back at the stage.

He smiles and squeezes her hand gently.

Juniper smiles as she watches another award being presented, “I think only a few more.”

Sullivan whispers to her, “thank god.”

She laughs and leans her head back, “I’m thinking In-n-Out before the after party.”

He grins, “I was too.”

Juniper groans playfully and rubs her stomach with her free hand.

Sullivan laughs and leans closer to her.

She grins and moves her hand to his arm, “Burgers, fries then lots of champagne, perfect.”

He rubs her hand that’s on his arm and laughs. “I want a milkshake.”

Juniper hums happily and nods, “Yesss..”

Sullivan grins, “what’s your favorite flavor?”

She smiles and raises her brows at him, “Guess.”

He smiles, “Strawberry.”

Juniper scrunches up her nose and laughs, “How did you know?”

Sullivan smiles, “it’s mine too.”

She grins and shakes her head, “Shut up, is it?”

He chuckles, “Well, yes if it’s of the main three options. I also love banana.”

Juniper grins and nods in agreement, “That’s good too but I love strawberries or any fruity flavors.”

Sullivan smiles, “me too. I prefer fruity over chocolate.”

She shakes her head and grins, “If I didn’t know any better I’d think we were set up on purpose.”

He laughs and squeezes her hand gently.

Juniper laughs and looks back at the stage for the final award.

Sullivan smiles and strokes her thumb with his gently as he watches the stage.

She smiles to herself at the touch as they announce artist of the year as Gabe.

Gabe raises his brows in surprise and then smiles at Tatum before gently holding her chin and kissing her.

Juniper lets go of his hand to clap for him. Tatum grins widely and returns the kiss.

Sullivan grins and cheers for Gabe. Eli stands up to give Gabe a standing ovation. Gabe pulls back and smiles at Tatum, “I love you.” He pulls back and goes up to accept his award. He grins as he looks out at the crowd, “Wow, thank you. It’s incredible to win Artist of the Year for an award that’s voted for by fans. So to anyone that even considers themselves a fan of mine, thank you for your endless support. For the streams, for buying merch, for buying my music, watching the music videos my team forced me to have, for showing up for me on tour. Music used to just be something I did for myself, and I really never thought it’d bring me here. It’s brought me accolades but without music, I also never would’ve met my Mrs. And I can’t leave this stage without thanking her. Tatum, you are my everything, you are my biggest support system and my other half. I am lucky enough to write with you, make music with you, sing with you, and spend my life with you. Thank you for all that you do for me. Thank you to my team for putting up with me, my friends, my family, and thank you to whoever else I’m forgetting, I’ll apologize later. Thank you all again for voting for me. Have a good night.” He leaves the stage.

Tatum grins and squeezes his arm before he leaves, “I love you.” She clasps her hands and watches him in adoration as he gives his speech. Juniper stands to clap for him with a cheer before glancing at Sullivan, “He’s such a good guy.”

Sullivan nods and smiles, “that’s the kind of person I wanna be.”

She nods in agreement and smiles, “I’d say the same but I think that ship has sailed.”

His brows raise, “For yourself?”

Juniper hums with a shrug, “Well I don’t think I’ll ever be able to win a fan award like that for one.”

Sullivan laughs, “hard disagree.”

She smiles and shakes her head, “Well maybe now that I’ve got a hot boyfriend?”

He chuckles and grins at her, “You’re talented, Juniper. You don’t need me for people to realize that.”

Juniper reaches up to stroke his chin, “So sweet, so naive.”

Sullivan fights a frown, “Please don’t condescend to me.”

She grins and shakes her head, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean it like that. It’s just different for me. Talent can only get you so far. It’s about an image.”

He shrugs, “Hopefully people can prove you wrong.”

Juniper laces her fingers with his and hums, “Maybe. Don’t get me wrong, I have amazing fans but there’s some particular other fan bases that would love to watch me fall on my face.”

Sullivan hums softly, “I feel like that’s true for most women in our fields.”

She laughs softly and nods her head, “Very much so.”

He shakes his head, “it’s not fair.”

Juniper hums and pulls him closer as the crowd starts to move out of the venue, “It’s unfortunate but at least we get to look hot.”

Sullivan keeps close to her and chuckles, “I guess that’s a positive.”

She smiles up at him and hums, “Speaking of…I do have a quick outfit change if you don’t mind.”

He raises his brows, “that’s fine. We’ll go to the hotel first then?”

Juniper hums as they get to the lobby of the venue, “My stylist may be around here so we don’t have to. Can you stay right here? Don’t let any of those other girls come snatch you away?”

Sullivan chuckles and looks down at her, “I can stay right here. I promise.”

She grins and leans up to kiss his jaw gently before wiping her lipstick off his skin, “I’ll be right back.”

He smiles and nods, “I’ll be waiting, June Bug.”

Juniper laughs and pulls away from him to find her stylist to go change.

Sullivan leans back against the wall as he waits.

Nova Blake notices Sullivan alone and beelines for him instead of leaving the venue, “Hi, Sullivan Shaw right?” She holds her hand out and flicks her hair back.

His brows raise and he looks around before he hesitantly shakes her hand, “Right.. and you are?”

She grins and leans forward to subtly show off the cleavage in her dress, “Oh....I’m Nova Blake. I have a little podcast with Spotify.”

Sullivan nods a little and keeps his eyes on her face, “Oh, cool. Like a murder one?”

Nova blinks a few times before she laughs, “Oh no, it’s like lifestyle and interviews. I’ve been known to really be able to get my guests to open up, you know what I mean? It’s just such a passion of mine..connecting with people and telling their stories. I absolutely would love to know more about you. You are just so..mysterious.”

His brows raise, “I’m not really doing any podcast interviews, but good to know.”

She shakes her head and grins, “We don’t have to do a podcast together but maybe we can just get to know each other. You know LA, it’s all about making connections and you are someone I’d like to get to know better.” She tilts her head to the side and shifts closer to him.

Sullivan shifts away when she moves closer, “Sure, how about you reach out to my team instead? They handle my networking and scheduling. Plus, I gotta get as much time in with my girlfriend as possible before my next project starts.”

Nova raises a brow at him and hums, “Juniper West, right? So you guys are monogamous? I mean you are really too hot to be with one girl right now.” Juniper finishes up changing and touching up her make up before returning to the lobby, spotting the influencer talking to Sully.

He takes another step away from her, “Monogamous and happily so.”

Juniper notices his body language and quickly moves to his side, grasping his arm and putting it around her with a grin, “All set, babe?” Nova takes a step back as she notices Juniper.

Sullivan squeezes her side gently, “Yes, please, let’s go.” He half smiles at Nova, “good luck with your podcast.”

She grins and nods at the other girl, “Nova. Have fun at whatever influencer party you have going on.” Juniper flutters her fingers in a wave before pulling Sullivan towards the exit.

He groans, “don’t ever leave me alone again.”

Juniper laughs and looks up at him, “Aww the influencers scare you?”

Sullivan looks down at her, “she was trying to eat me.”

She squeezes him gently and laughs, “Oh she’s harmless. Just a social climber.”

He laughs, “You didn’t hear what she was saying!”

Juniper grins and shakes her head as she approaches their SUV, “What was she saying then?”

Sullivan laughs, “well she pushed her tits out at me and was saying how she is so good at making connections on her podcast and wants to get to know me cause I’m all mysterious. And I said I’m not doing podcasts right now. And then she said that she wanted to talk to me one on one to get to know me not for the podcast. So I told her to reach out to my team for networking and scheduling cause I’m busy with my girlfriend. Then she said I’m too hot to be monogamous.”

She raises her brows as she starts to get into the car before she laughs, “Oh my god. Well she’s not wrong, you’re definitely too hot to be with only one girl but too bad, you’re my fake boyfriend!”

He gets into the car and shakes his head, “she wanted to eat me.”

Juniper giggles and shakes her head, “She won’t be the last one, Sully, trust me. Every girl right now wants you, especially the ones in LA.”

Sullivan sighs, “Don’t leave me alone with them. I hate that.”

She holds her hand out to his and smiles, “Promise.”

He takes her hand, “Not that I don’t love a confident woman, but knowing I’m with someone makes it weird.”

Juniper raises her brows and smiles, “But we’re not actually so if you wanted to, you could.”

Sullivan frowns, “again, them knowing that I’m with someone makes it weird.”

She hums and shrugs one shoulder, “I guess so. You never know whats real here so maybe she assumed you would still be interested.”

He shakes his head, “That’s just not my thing I guess.”

Juniper squeezes his hand and grins, “You’re much too good of a guy.”

Sullivan half smiles, “That good?”

She laughs and nods her head, “Sooo good. You deserve an award.”

He shakes his head and laughs, “I’m just a regular guy.”

Juniper laughs and squeezes his hand, “Do you know how rare that is in LA?”

Sullivan shrugs and smiles, “I suppose. I just don’t think of myself as anyone special. I like that people like me and my acting but I’m not acting any different than I would be if all this wasn’t happening.”

She smiles and tilts her head to the side, “Oh I hope no one actually eats you and makes you jaded.”

He laughs, “I don’t think I’ll let anyone eat me.”

Juniper squeezes his arm with her free hand as the car pulls up to the in-n-out

Sully smiles, “we going in or drive thru?”

She shrugs one shoulder and smiles, “Up to you.”

He laughs, “let’s go make an appearance.”

Juniper grins and lets the driver to know to park then asks if he wants anything.

Sully smiles as he listens to her.

She nods and promises to get him a milkshake either way before she nods to the door, “Let’s go and bring your phone, we gotta take a picture.”

He smiles, “that was kind of you.”

Juniper raises her brows as she gets out of the car, “Of course, he’s doing all the hard work tonight.”

Sully smiles. “Not everyone is nice to staff like that.”

She smiles with a shrug as she leads him into the restaurant, “Well they should be.”

He nods, “I completely agree.”

Juniper nods as she pulls him over to the cashier.

Sully smiles, “you wanna order first, baby?”

She nods with a grin as she looks up at the menu, “I’ll do a cheese burger with fries and strawberry shake.”

He nods and orders the same for himself.

Juniper grins and nudges her hip against his, “Oh! And a one extra chocolate shake.”

Sully grins widely at her and then pays for the order.

She smiles and watches him.

He brings her over to wait for their order and brings his arms around her.

Juniper grins and moves her hands to his arms, “Do you like my second dress? It’s comfier and shorter.”

Sullivan looks down at her and smirks, “Yeah, it’s sexy.”

She giggles and squeezes his arms, “Better than Nova Blake?”

He makes a face, “God, of course.”

Juniper grins and slides her hands up to his shoulders, “But she’s so much taller and better height for you.”

Sullivan laughs, “Says who?”

She shrugs one shoulder and runs her hands over his shoulders.

He rubs her waist, “I’m with you.”

Juniper nods and leans up closer to him, “I know.”

He leans down and presses his forehead to hers, “You’re way hotter than Nova.”

She smiles and shrugs one shoulder, “I know.”

Sullivan laughs and squeezes her waist.

Juniper grins and raises her brows, “You know we could just be standing here next to each other and we’d be selling it.”

He raises his brows, “Oh, sorry, I can back up.”

She shakes her head and smiles as she strokes the back of his neck, “No, I like it.”

Sullivan nods a little, “Okay, as long as you’re sure we’re not being like a couple in line at Disney.”

Juniper laughs and shrugs one shoulder, “Probably but who cares?”

He chuckles and stands up straight and hugs her close.

She giggles and moves her arms around his middle, “Ughhhh…you’re so tall.”

Sullivan chuckles, “my back was hurting.”

Juniper grins and looks up at him, “Well my neck hurts.”

He laughs, “sorry.”

She shakes her head and looks over as they call their number before she pulls away from him.

He grabs the drink carrier and the bags and thanks the worker before nodding to Juniper.

Juniper thanks them before grabbing her phone and nods to him, “Hold up the goods and smile!”

Sully holds everything up and gives her a big cheesy smile.

She laughs and takes the picture, “Adorable.”

He laughs and leans down to kiss her cheek.

Juniper grins and puts the phone away, “Okay let’s go. Frank needs his milkshake.”

Sullivan laughs, “And so do we!”

She giggles and leads him back to the SUV.

He grins and nods to her, “you should hand him the milkshake.”

Juniper takes the milkshake out of the carrier and knocks on the drivers window.

Sullivan opens the door to the backseat and waits.

Frank rolls down the window and laughs as he takes the milkshake before he thanks her.

He grins as he watches her.

She grins brightly at the driver before she gets into the car, “See we can all cheers now.”

Sullivan hands her her milkshake and laughs.

Juniper thanks him and settles into her eat, “Oh my god, I’m hungry.”

He pulls out their food, “me too.”

She takes her burger and hums, “Just remind me to touch up my lips before we get out.”

Sullivan nods and laughs, “Okay.” He opens his burger and takes a bite.

Juniper takes a bite of hers and hums happily.

He leans back and nods his head, “Yeah, this hits.”

She laughs and sips her milkshake, “Yep, exactly what I needed.”

Sully chuckles, “we didn’t cheers.”

Juniper gasps and holds her up, “Fraannnkk…cheers!” The driver turns in his seat and holds his drink back to them with a laugh.

He laughs and clinks his milkshake against theirs, “cheers!”

She bumps hers against the others and laughs before she takes a sip.

Sullivan sips his milkshake and smiles.

Juniper hums as she eats some of her fries, “So how do you feel about the after party? I will say people tend to get a bit out of control after these music events.”

He looks at her and shrugs, “fine I guess? It’s not like I can’t leave if I get uncomfortable. Plus, I’ll have you and other friends there.”

She nods as she eats more of her food, “Of course but you wouldn’t leave without me right?”

Sullivan shakes his head, “No, I would never leave you behind.”

Juniper squeezes his arm and grins, “Good.”

He smiles at her and then playfully slurps his milkshake.

She giggles and scrunches up her nose at him.

Sullivan laughs and taps her nose with his freehand and then goes back to eating his food.

Juniper laughs and shakes her head, “Frank, you can start driving if you’re ready.” He nods and starts to drive them towards the after party venue.

He smiles and finishes up his meal and puts his trash back in the bag.

She finishes her burger and hums as she leans back in her seat, “Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to go to these after parties but they are fun to mingle.”

Sullivan sips his milkshake and then looks at her, “We’ll have fun.”

Juniper nods with a small smile, “I know. Just never know who may be there.”

His brows raise, “are you worried?”

She shakes her head as she picks at her fries, “No, but we definitely have to be on the whole time.”

Sullivan nods his head, “That won’t be a problem.”

Juniper raises a brow at him and laughs, “You sure?”

His brows furrow and he looks at her, “Why?”

She shakes her head and laughs, “Just making sure. This is our first big event. People pick up more at these after parties since they go sell blind items.”

Sullivan gives her a small look, “I’m an actor. I could be on 24/7 and you’d think that’s just the way I am.”

Juniper smiles and shrugs one shoulder, “I know just making sure you’re comfortable.”

He smiles, “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

She sips her milkshake and smiles at him.

Sully finishes his and hums.

Juniper grins before she finishes her own, “So good.”

He nods his head, “I needed that.”

She smiles with a nod as she puts all her trash in the bag, “Me too. Ready to take on the world.”

Sullivan laughs softly and holds his hand out to her.

Juniper takes his hand and squeezes it gently, “We’re a pretty good team I think.”

He grins, “I think so too.”

She smiles and looks out the window as they pull to a stop.

Sullivan squeezes her hand, “how do you wanna go in?”

Juniper hums and nods, “I’ll get out and just follow close behind? There’s a lot of cameras out there so I’d rather keep you close.”

He nods, “Hand holding or no?”

She shrugs and looks at him, “Up to you.”

Sully hums softly, “let’s not just to be consistent.”

Juniper nods and squeezes his hand before letting go, “Okay Frank, ready whenever you are!” The driver nods before he gets out and opens the door for her. She gets out and puts her head down from the flashing cameras and shouting.

He follows close behind her, keeping his head down too.

She follows the body guards as they make a path for them and walks closer to the entrance of the party.

[lukaneff]

The Light Palaces (worldbuilding) :

The light palaces is a big city placed in the Southwest of the lightsons region between the river Valley, the great Canyon and the Cristal waterfalls, it's characterized by it's great architecture, floating buildings and water abundance.

The light palaces used to be One of the four human civilization in the lighsons region and it was known as one of the most devoted to the sun civilizations besides CandleCore. Hundreds of years ago they built those enormous palaces to honour the sun and it's beauty, and the architecture of the light palaces were considered the most beautiful in all the regions of the world. The people here used to be specially devoted, being a lot of them priests and monks that worship the Sun and celebrates it constantly. Those who aren't that faithful to the sun usually moves to the cities of WiseEye or CandleCore voluntarily Or scapes to the dark cities to worship the moon (which is considered betrayal in both the sun palaces and CandleCore)

They kinda rules in the region, being one of the most politically powerful and influential civilizations among the humans. The Sun, although very rarely communicates with its creatures due to its egocentric and reserved nature, the few times it communicates with humans, it does so through the temples of the palaces of light. They used to have really good relationships with CandleCore and WiseEye, counting with the protection of the sun warriors from CandleCore and with the technology and acknowledge of the watchmakers from WiseEye.

When the blue plague came out the liders and most important figures from the light palaces they blamed the fillins for intentionally creating and realising the plague in the Moon's name, and they were the principal starters of the "Last war". While CandleCore's warriors followed them to the war, the people from WiseEye refuse to take part in the war.

Today, decades after the end of the Last war, the light palaces are just empty ruins of what it used to be. With no one but those nimals who cares to explore those streets to admire the old powerful beauty of the city.

I drew this like a year and a half ago, but since you guys wanted more lore and worldbuilding about COTL I thought it would be a good Idea to share this with you, most of you probably already saw this, but now it came with some sweet lore! So enjoy! <3

[straykidsmedia]

© LightsOn [1, 2, 3] please do not edit or crop logo

[ramranchance]

hoolyshittt dni this song isso good 🤤🤤my friendhas problemswith winter and autumnthey give him prescriptions theyshine brigth lightson him they say its genetic theysay he cant ehlp it theysay yoiu can catch it but sometimes youre bornwith it 🤤🤤🤤myfriend has spite hegets shakes inthe night and thgy say theres no way thatthey couldhave caught itintime takesits toll on himit is inherited predispositional 🤤🤤🤤allday ive been wonderign what isinside of me who can ibalme for it i say itruns in the family thjs familythat carries me to suchgreat lengths toopen my legs up to anyone wholl have me itsruns in the family i comeby it honestly do what youwant cause who knows it might fill me up me up me up me up meup meupfill me up me up me upme up🤤🤤myfreidnds depressed shes a wreck shessa mess thyve done all sorts of testsand they guess it has soemthing to do with her grandmothers grandfathers grandmothersaving civil war soldier who probably infectedher🤤🤤my friend has maladies ricketsand allergies thatshe dates back tothe 17th century somehow she manages inher misery shestrips inthe city andshares all her best tricks withme well imwell well imean ijm inhell well istill have my health at least thatswhat they tell me 🤤if wellness is this what in hellsname is sickness but business is business and business runs inthe family🤤🤤🤤🤤we tendto bruise easily bad in theblood 🤤🤤im telling youcause i jstwant you to know me know meand my family were wonderful folks justdont get too close causeyou might knock me upmeup me up me up me up 🤤knock me upo me upme up me up me up me up🤤🤤🤤 mary have mercy now look what ive done but dont blame me because i cant helpwhere i come from agnd running is something that weve always done wellamd mostly icant even tell what imrunnign from 🤤runfrom the city from responsibility runfrom the country and runfrom the city🤤🤤ican run from the law i canrun from mysefl i can run from my lifei can run into debt 🤤ican run from it all i can run tillim gone i can run for the office and run for my cause ican run using every last ounceof energy i cannot icannot i cannot runfrom my family🤤🤤🤤🤤 theyre hidign inside of mecorpses on ice come in if youd like but just dont tell my family🤤 theydnever forgive me theyd say that im crazy butthey would say anything if itwould shut me up🤤🤤🤤shut meup 🤤🤤🤤shut meup me up me up me up me up meup meup🤤🤤🤤 shutme up me up me up me up meup me up🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

I am madly in love aitj you

. A concert foryou my wheen.

I'm aw man i forgot my water. The songn is starting wait. Im thirsty but ther TOWJJMPS I A WEEKIBET YOU THINK THSTS PRETTY FLEBER DOMT YOU BOYY j aantmy water FLYING ALONG THE MOTOROECSYWATCHINF THE GRLUND BENEATH YOU DROP?? YOUD MILL YOURSELF FOR RECOGNITOM?? MILLYOURSELF TL ENVER EVER START ple i ewant my eate YLUVE BROKENA NOTHER MIRROR THENING INTO SKMETTHINF YOUA RE NOT im so thristy fuck DONT LEAVE ME HIGHHHHHHHHH DONT LEAVE ME DRYYYYYY im dry i want my WAYER OFNTKEAVE ME DHIGIHHHHHHHH . FONT LEAVE ME SRY. ok theres music ji got my water

Yayy :3 🎸🎸🎸🎸

Drying upand COMEBEDYPU WILL BE THE OME CANNOT TALK?? i dk the lyrics ALL YOUR INSIDE FALL TO PUEEV YOU JUST SITTING YOU COULD STILL

Mame loveTHEIRRS THE ONESHWOLL HATE YOU WHEN YOU THINK YOU WORLD UP?? i dont know the fucking lyrics THEYRE THE ONES WHOSIT TYPU WILL SCREAMING OUTTTT DONT LEAVE ME HIGHHHHHHH DONT LEAVE ME DRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY SONT LEAVE ME HIGHHHHHHHHHJHHHH DONT LEAVE ME DRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸kitten i dont know the freaking lyrics im just typing what i hear golly goshj

Freak mode activated

OHHJ ITS THE BEST THAT YOU EVER AHDT THE BETS THAT YOU EVER EVER HADDDD ITS THE BEST THATYOUVE EBER HAD THE BEST YOU HAVE HAD HAS GONE AWAYYY SO DONT LEAVE ME HIGHHHHHHHHHJHHHHH DONR LEABE ME DRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYDOMT LEABE ME HIGHHGHHBHGHHHHHH . DONT LEAVE ME DRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

DOKT LEAVE ME HIGH!!-!!!!!!!DONT LEAVE ME HIGHHH DONT LEAVE ME DRY .